britain

Brit-ain · proper noun

imported

Definitions

proper noun

  1. 1.

    The island comprising England, Scotland, and Wales; Great Britain.

  2. 2.

    The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (informal usage).

  3. 3.

    Historical name for the territory during Roman and earlier times.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Great Britain — England, Scotland, and Wales together
  • •
    Battle of Britain — the 1940 air campaign over Britain

Related words

See also: England, Scotland, Wales, british
Synonyms: Great Britain, UK, United Kingdom

Etymology

From Latin "Britannia," from the Celtic name for the island and its inhabitants, the Britons. The ultimate origin may mean "land of the tattooed people."