oasis

noun

oa·​sis ō-ˈā-səs How to pronounce oasis (audio)
plural oases ō-ˈā-ˌsēz How to pronounce oasis (audio)
Synonyms of oasis
1
: a fertile or green area in an arid region (such as a desert)
The caravan stopped to rest at an oasis.
2
: something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast
The small park is a welcome oasis amid the city's many factories.

Examples of oasis in a Sentence

The small park is a welcome oasis amid the city's many factories. Our brief trip to the beach was a much-needed oasis in a summer of hard work.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Distinctive pottery made in an Arabian oasis more than 3,000 years ago may have developed many of the characteristics associated with modern brands. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 Traditionally, ‘ryad’ or ‘رياض’ in Arabic means a lush and verdant garden, or oasis. — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2026 Non-slip stairs and a small jumping platform are built-in for easy access to your outdoor oasis. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 Roughly 10 miles south of town, Ken’s Lake is a literal oasis offering standup paddleboarding, swimming and fishing. — Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oasis

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin Oasis, referring to the Great Oasis of Kharge in the Libyan Desert of Egypt, borrowed from Greek Óasis (Herodotus), borrowed from Egyptian wḥꜢ.t "fertile area in the desert"

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oasis was in 1613

Rhymes for oasis

See All Rhymes for oasis

Browse Nearby Words

OASI
oasis
oasitic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oasis. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oasis

noun
oa·​sis ō-ˈā-səs How to pronounce oasis (audio)
plural oases -ˈā-ˌsēz How to pronounce oasis (audio)
1
: a fertile or green spot in a desert
2
: something or some place that provides refreshing relief

More from Merriam-Webster on oasis

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for oasis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oasis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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