con·ti·nen·tal
ˌkän-tə-ˈnen-tᵊl 
1
a
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a continent
continental waters
specifically, often capitalized
: of or relating to the continent of Europe excluding the British Isles
b
often capitalized
: of, relating to, or being a cuisine derived from the classic dishes of Europe and especially France
2
a
often capitalized
: of or relating to the colonies later forming the U.S.
Continental Congress
b
: being the part of the U.S. on the North American continent
also
: being the part of the U.S. comprising the lower 48 states
1
a
often capitalized
: an American soldier of the Revolution in the Continental army
b(1)
: a piece of Continental paper currency
(2)
: the least bit
not worth a continental
2
: an inhabitant of a continent and especially the continent of Europe
Examples of continental in a Sentence
Adjective
They will be touring Continental Europe.
differences between Britain and its Continental neighbors
The hotel combines American comfort with continental elegance.
Noun
complained that today's youth doesn't care a continental about their elders
Recent Examples on the Web
Andy Mitten, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Some studies, Bhatia said, show tropical storms and hurricanes have slowed down in recent years over the continental United States and near-coastal USregions as well.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Amy Thomson, Bloomberg.com, 24 Apr. 2020
Kenyatta rejected concerns that a free trade deal with the United States would undermine a new continental free trade agreement in Africa aimed at creating the world’s largest common market.
—Tom Odula, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Feb. 2020
See All Example Sentences for continental
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Adjective
Fewer games without the various domestic and continental cups mean fewer opportunities for the club’s fringe players.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Some studies, Bhatia said, show tropical storms and hurricanes have slowed down in recent years over the continental United States and near-coastal USregions as well.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
Hosted by enthusiastic young continentals, songs are scored by a combination of dial-in votes from viewers and jurists representing the participating countries.
—Amy Thomson, Bloomberg.com, 24 Apr. 2020
Kenyatta rejected concerns that a free trade deal with the United States would undermine a new continental free trade agreement in Africa aimed at creating the world’s largest common market.
—Tom Odula, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Feb. 2020
See All Example Sentences for continental
Cite this Entry
“Continental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continental. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
continental
1 of 2 adjective
con·ti·nen·tal
ˌkänt-ᵊn-ˈent-ᵊl
1
: of or relating to a continent
continental waters
especially, often capitalized
: of or relating to the continent of Europe
2
often capitalized
: of or relating to the colonies later forming the U.S.
Continental Congress
continental
2 of 2 noun1
a
often capitalized
: a soldier in the Continental army
b
: a piece of paper money issued by the Continental Congress
2
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