Philippines

[fil-uh-peenz, fil-uh-peenz]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

(used with a plural verb)

an archipelago of 7083 islands in the Pacific, SE of China: formerly (1898–1946) under the guardianship of the U.S.; now an independent republic. 114,830 sq. mi. (297,410 sq. km). Manila.

Philippines

/ ˈfɪlɪˌpiːnz, ˌfɪlɪˈpiːnz /

noun

(functioning as singular) a republic in SE Asia, occupying an archipelago of about 7100 islands (including Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, and Negros): became a Spanish colony in 1571 but ceded to the US in 1898 after the Spanish-American War; gained independence in 1946. The islands are generally mountainous and volcanic. Official languages: Filipino, based on Tagalog, and English. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: peso. Capital: Manila. Pop: 105 720 644 (2013 est). Area: 300 076 sq km (115 860 sq miles)

Philippines

Republic in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, comprising over seven thousand islands. Its capital and largest city is Manila.

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Named for Philip II, king of Spain during the sixteenth century.

Although Philippine independence had long been an important political issue, the country did not gain full independence until 1946.

It continues to be plagued by allegations of corruption in high places and by a Muslim insurgency.

The Spanish held control of the islands until 1898, when they were transferred to the United States after the Spanish-American War.

The country was under the virtual dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos from 1965 until 1986, when he was forced into exile in the United States.

Occupied by the Japanese during World War II, the islands were liberated by Allied troops under General Douglas MacArthur.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Philippines¹

Named in 1544 by Ruy López de Villalobos (about 1500–44), Spanish explorer, who called the archipelago Las Islas Filipinas after Prince Philip of Austria, the Prince of Asturias at the time (later he became King Philip II of Spain)

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Reay is briefly settling back home after a busy period performing to large audiences in Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia.

From

Her extended family includes immigrants from Korea, Japan and the Philippines.

From

“I thought it was too good to be true, but I took a chance,” said one, Melanie Habon, whose immigrant parents from the Philippines encouraged her to become a structural engineer.

From

“Sky Islands” evokes the magical Philippines upper rainforests, where sounds scintillate in a thinned atmosphere that gives gongs new glories, where animals capable of great ascension exclusively live, where the mind is ready for enlightenment.

From

They also were more likely than others to be killed, particularly in Brazil, the Philippines and Mexico.

From

Philippine mahogany Philippine Sea

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