Madagascar

[mad-uh-gas-ker]

noun

1. an island republic in the Indian Ocean, about 240 miles (385 km) off the southestern coast of Africa: formerly a French colony; gained independence 1960. 227,800 sq. mi. (590,000 sq. km). Antananarivo.

Madagascar

/ ˌmædəˈɡæskə /

noun

1. Official name (since 1975): Democratic Republic of Madagascar. Former name (1958–75): Malagasy Republic. an island republic in the Indian Ocean, off the E coast of Africa: made a French protectorate in 1895; became autonomous in 1958 and fully independent in 1960; contains unique flora and fauna. Languages: Malagasy and French. Religions: animist and Christian. Currency: franc. Capital: Antananarivo. Pop: 22 599 098 (2013 est). Area: 587 041 sq km (266 657 sq miles)

Madagascar

1. Island republic in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. Its capital and largest city is Antananarivo.

Madagascar was under French control from the late nineteenth century until 1960, when it gained full independence. Its culture mixes European, African, and South Asian influences.

The island of Madagascar is the fourth largest in the world.

Other Word Forms

• anti-Madagascan adjective
• Madagascan noun
• pro-Madagascan adjective

Example Sentences

The brothers, who have so far raised more than £700,000 of a £1m target for clean water projects in Madagascar, had hoped to complete their journey in an even quicker time.

From BBC

Madagascar's Culture Minister Volamiranty Donna Mara, who also gave a speech at the handover, said their return was a "significant gesture", AFP reports.

From BBC

Alex, the friendly lion character from the animated film series 'Madagascar', smiles off his right arm.

From BBC

Sandrine is from Reunion, a French overseas territory between Madagascar and Mauritius, and, while she isn't especially sporting, Joel suggests her background might have "spiced up the DNA".

From BBC

The Madagascar hissing cockroach robot doesn't just perfectly mimic the attributes that allow cockroaches to withstand radiation and poisonous air: it is a real life animal, and it is also a mechanical creature controlled remotely.

From Salon