Okinawa

[oh-kuh-nou-wuh, -nah-wuh; Japanese aw-kee-nah-wah] /ˌoʊ kəˈnaʊ wə, -ˈnɑ wə; Japanese ˈɔ kiˈnɑ wɑ/
noun
1.
the largest of the Ryukyu Islands, in the N Pacific, SW of Japan: taken by U.S. forces April–June 1945 in the last major amphibious campaign of World War II. 544 sq. mi. (1409 sq. km).
Related forms
Okinawan, adjective, noun
British Dictionary definitions for Okinawa

Okinawa

/ˌəʊkɪˈnɑːwə/
noun
1.
a coral island of SW Japan, the largest of the Ryukyu Islands in the N Pacific: scene of heavy fighting in World War II; administered by the US (1945–72); agricultural. Chief town: Naha. Pop: 1 318 218 (2000). Area: 1176 sq km (454 sq miles)
Word Origin and History for Okinawa

largest of the Ryuku island chain, Japanese, literally "rope on the sea." Related: Okinawan.

Okinawa in Culture
Okinawa [(oh-kuh-nah-wuh, oh-kuh-now-uh)]

Island in the western Pacific Ocean; part of Japan.

Note: During World War II, American forces seized the island from Japan in a particularly bloody campaign. It was returned to Japan in 1972.