/mɛlənˈiːziə/ (me-lə-NEE-see-ə)

Definitions

1. noun

A region in the Pacific Ocean, comprising a group of islands east of Australia, including Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and the islands of New Guinea and the surrounding islands.

“The tourists visited the beautiful islands of Melanesia during their vacation.”

2. proper noun

Melanesia, a region of the Pacific Ocean and a cultural and geographical term for the islands of the southwestern Pacific, including Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, New Guinea, and the surrounding islands.

“The cultural festival celebrated the rich heritage of Melanesia’s indigenous people.”