Pronunciation: [ˈa͡ɪlənd] (IPA) 
The word "eiland" is a Dutch word that is sometimes spelled as "iland." It is pronounced as /ˈeɪlənd/. The first syllable "ei" sounds like the English word "eye," and the second syllable "land" sounds like the English word "land." The Dutch language uses many diphthongs, which are combinations of two vowels pronounced as one sound, like in "ei" in "eiland." In English, the word for "eiland" is "island" and has a different pronunciation.
Eiland is a noun that refers to a small piece of land completely surrounded by water. The term is commonly used in the context of an island, particularly in certain regions where the term "eiland" is employed instead of the more commonly known term "island."
An eiland is typically characterized by its separation from the mainland and its ability to stand alone as a distinct geographical unit. Eilands can be found in various bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. They vary in size, with some being tiny and uninhabited, while others can be large and support human settlements or wildlife communities.
Eilands often possess unique ecosystems due to their isolation from surrounding land masses, playing a vital role in biodiversity conservation. They may exhibit diverse flora and fauna, including endemic species that are found only on that particular eiland.
These landforms have long captured human imagination and have been the subject of myths, stories, and legends. Many eilands have served as habitats for human civilizations, acting as centers for trade, culture, and economic activities.
Overall, an eiland is a geographical feature that stands apart from the mainland, surrounded by water, and possesses distinct natural, ecological, and cultural characteristics.
The word "eiland" originated from the Old English term "ī(e)land", which is a combination of "īg" (meaning "island") and "land" (meaning "land" or "area of ground"). The term later evolved into "iland" in Middle English and eventually transformed into the modern word "island". The initial "ī(e)" is likely derived from the Old Norse word "ey" with a similar meaning. Both the Old English and Old Norse terms can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "awjō", which ultimately roots in the Proto-Indo-European language.
