insular

adjective

in·​su·​lar ˈin(t)-su̇-lər How to pronounce insular (audio)
-syu̇-,
ˈin-shə-lər
1
: characteristic of an isolated people
especially : being, having, or reflecting a narrow provincial viewpoint
2
a
: of, relating to, or constituting an island
b
: dwelling or situated on an island
insular residents
3
: of or relating to an island of cells or tissue
insularism
ˈin(t)-su̇-lə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce insular (audio)
-syu̇-
ˈin-shə-lə-
noun
insularity
ˌin(t)-su̇-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce insular (audio)
-ˈla-rə- -syu̇-
ˌin-shə-ˈler-ə-
-ˈla-rə-
noun
insularly
ˈin(t)-su̇-lər-lē How to pronounce insular (audio)
-syu̇-
ˈin-shə-
adverb

Examples of insular in a Sentence

the insular world of boarding schools an insular community that is not receptive of new ideas, especially from outsiders
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.
The divisiveness and vitriol at the state and especially national level is undoubtedly feeding into this local election, as society in general has become more tribal and insular, thanks in large part to the weaponization of social media. Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025 Yet, Xi’s visit laid bare the true nature of California’s political machinery — an insular, dynastic system dominated by ultrawealthy progressives whose priorities shift when the right people are watching. Carson Becker, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025 Known throughout baseball as an insular organization (sometimes to a fault) — and one that doesn’t often stray from change — the Cardinals have now turned to a group of external hires to right their ship. Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 This intense — and sometimes insular — man of molecular, granular detail also gave them a presentation board. George Caulkin, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insular

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin insularis, from Latin insula island

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of insular was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insular. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

insular

adjective
in·​su·​lar ˈin(t)s-(y)ə-lər How to pronounce insular (audio)
ˈin-shə-lər
1
: of, relating to, or forming an island
2
: being isolated or detached
an insular building
3
: not open to new or different ideas : narrow
an insular viewpoint
insularity noun

Medical Definition

insular

adjective
in·​su·​lar -lər How to pronounce insular (audio)
: of or relating to an island of cells or tissue (as the islets of Langerhans or the insula)

More from Merriam-Webster on insular

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!