aruba

IPA/əˈruː.bə/
KK[ɚˈubə]IPA/əˈruː.bə/

aruba — noun

1. a small island nation in the southern Caribbean Sea, near the coast of Venezuela

1.nounA1
Definition

a small island nation in the southern Caribbean Sea, near the coast of Venezuela. Aruba elects its own government for local affairs, while the Netherlands handles its defence and international relations.

Example

Lauren and her family spent their winter holiday in Aruba last year.

preposition: in Aruba (location)

Felix learned that Aruba has its own parliament, while the Netherlands handles its defence.

Common collocations
  • in Aruba
  • to Aruba
  • from Aruba
  • the people of Aruba

Usage Note

Aruba is treated as a singular proper noun and does not take an article ('the Aruba') except in set phrases such as 'the island of Aruba'.

Common Mistakes

I went to the Aruba last year.
I went to Aruba last year.
Aruba, like most country names, does not use a definite article.

2. the island of Aruba itself, located in the southern Caribbean Sea about twenty-f

2.nounA1
Definition

the island of Aruba itself, located in the southern Caribbean Sea about twenty-five kilometres north of the coast of Venezuela. It has a dry, sunny climate and a landscape of beaches, rocky coastline, cactus-covered hills, and desert scrub.

Example

Hari's guidebook described Aruba as an island with white sand beaches and clear water.

patterns: described Aruba as an island / Aruba as [noun phrase]

Yuna checked the map and saw that Aruba lies about twenty-five kilometres north of Venezuela.

Common collocations
  • island of Aruba
  • on Aruba
  • the coast of Aruba

Usage Note

This sense is used when the speaker wants to emphasise the physical geography, climate, or natural landscape of Aruba rather than its political status as a country.

Word family

  • Aruban
    adjectiveB1
  • Aruban
    nounB1

Common collocations

Nouns

  • the island of Aruba
  • the coast of Aruba
  • the people of Aruba
  • the capital of Aruba

Prepositions

  • in Aruba
  • to Aruba
  • from Aruba
  • on Aruba

Etymology

Uncertain originSpanishDutchEnglish

The origin of the name 'Aruba' is uncertain. One theory traces it to the Spanish phrase 'oro hubo' ('there was gold'), which early explorers may have used when they found gold on the island. Another theory points to the Arawak word 'oruba', meaning 'well placed' or 'good place'. The island was claimed by Spain in 1499 and later became part of the Dutch Caribbean in the 17th century.