Jamaica

[ juh-mey-kuh ]

/ dʒəˈmeɪ kə /

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noun

an island in the West Indies, S of Cuba. 4,413 sq. mi. (11,430 sq. km).

a republic coextensive with this island: formerly a British colony; became independent in 1962, retaining membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. Capital: Kingston.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Words nearby Jamaica

jalor, jalouse, jalousie, jam, jamaat, Jamaica, Jamaica ginger, Jamaican, Jamaican ebony, Jamaica pepper, Jamaica rum

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Jamaica in a sentence

Matthew Samuda, a minister in Jamaica’s Ministry of National Security, also did not respond to a request for comment or our questions — including if the Jamaican government plans to continue its contract or relationship with Amber Group.
Jamaica’s JamCOVID pulled offline after third security lapse exposed travelers’ data|Zack Whittaker|February 26, 2021|TechCrunch
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in a landmark decision said Jamaica must repeal its colonial-era sodomy law that criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual relations.
OAS commission issues landmark ruling against Jamaica sodomy law|Michael K. Lavers|February 24, 2021|Washington Blade
With a mandatory $40 fee, every traveler to Jamaica will receive on-island health coverage up to $50,000, through a partnership with Global Rescue.
Everything You Need to Know About Travel in 2021|The Editors|February 1, 2021|Outside Online
Srikant Bhatnagar said the Wilsons had been involved in the organization in Jamaica and continued when they moved to Petworth.
Couple who died in Petworth fire recalled as dedicated to church and community|Peter Hermann, Dana Hedgpeth|January 22, 2021|Washington Post

The word “Jamaica” isn’t even cited as a keyword in the index of her memoir.
The Jamaican connection|Robert Samuels|January 13, 2021|Washington Post
He was born in an apartment above the grocery store owned by his immigrant parents in South Jamaica, Queens.
Mario Cuomo, a Frustrating Hero to Democrats, Is Dead at 82|Eleanor Clift|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In 2007, at Jamaica high school in Queens, teachers started calling 911 to get police to help them deal with disorderly students.
Red Tape Is Strangling Good Samaritans|Philip K. Howard|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Why had teachers at Jamaica High School resorted to overusing 911 for common classroom disruptions?
Red Tape Is Strangling Good Samaritans|Philip K. Howard|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But, in Jamaica, Maurice Tomlinson was forced to flee his country after his marriage to his Canadian husband made front-page news.
A Quorum For Change: The Fight For Global LGBT Equality|Justin Jones|December 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Jamaica is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be gay.
How Maurice Tomlinson Was Outed in Jamaica—and Forced Into Exile|Jay Michaelson|December 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
One child, a Jamaica girl of seven, went so far as to draw the face with only one eye (Fig. 5).
Children's Ways|James Sully
It is therefore probable that some of Trevithick's engines reached Jamaica.
Life of Richard Trevithick, Volume II (of 2)|Francis Trevithick
One of the most characteristic instances of these alternate winds is perhaps that afforded on the island of Jamaica.
Outlines of the Earth's History|Nathaniel Southgate Shaler
The island of Jamaica is so situated within the basin of the Caribbean that it does not feel the full influence of the trades.
Outlines of the Earth's History|Nathaniel Southgate Shaler
A 'double' o' that fifteen over-proof Jamaica of yours, Sin, would hit me in a tender spot tonight.
Dope|Sax Rohmer

British Dictionary definitions for Jamaica

Jamaica

/ (dʒəˈmeɪkə) /

noun

an island and state in the Caribbean: colonized by the Spanish from 1494 onwards, large numbers of Black slaves being imported; captured by the British in 1655 and established as a colony in 1866; gained full independence in 1962; a member of the Commonwealth. Exports: chiefly bauxite and alumina, sugar, and bananas. Official language: English. Religion: Protestant majority. Currency: Jamaican dollar. Capital: Kingston. Pop: 2 909 714 (2013 est). Area: 10 992 sq km (4244 sq miles)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for Jamaica

Jamaica

Nation in the West Indies, situated south of Cuba and west of Haiti, in the Caribbean Sea. Its capital and largest city is Kingston.

notes for Jamaica

It was the leading world sugar producer in the eighteenth century, when a large slave population grew up around sugar plantations.

notes for Jamaica

A British colony from 1865 to 1962, Jamaica then became completely independent.

notes for Jamaica

The country has a high level of poverty.

notes for Jamaica

Tourism is a major industry.