Maldives

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈmɔːl.diːvz/, /ˈmɔːl.daɪvz/
• US IPA: /ˈmÉ”l.daɪvz/, /ˈmæl.daɪvz/, cot-caught merger also IPA: /ˈmÉ‘l.daɪvz/

Origin

"Malé Islands", from Malé, the name of the main island (of uncertain etymology), plus -diva, -dive, "island", probably related to Sanskrit द्वीप (dvīpa) "island".

Full definition of Maldives

Proper noun

1. An island country in South Asia. Official name: Republic of the Maldives.