small island crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: Are there any specific types of small islands frequently appearing in crosswords?

Yes, "cay" (a low, sandy island common in the Caribbean), "atoll" (a ring-shaped coral island formed by a lagoon), and "holm" (a small, often riverine island, from Old Norse) are commonly seen in puzzles.

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all possible solutions for the "small island crossword clue" to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. We provide answers by letter count, along with helpful explanations and tips.

Solutions for "small island crossword clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

AIT: A small island, especially in a river or lake.

CAY: A small, low island composed largely of coral or sand.

4 Letters

ISLE: A small island or peninsula, often poetic or used in names.

HOLM: A small island, especially in a river or lake; an islet.

5 Letters

ATOLL: A ring-shaped coral reef or island that nearly or entirely encloses a lagoon.

ISLET: A very small island, typically rocky and uninhabited.

6 Letters

SKERRY: A small rocky island or reef, especially off the coast of Scotland or Scandinavia.

More About "small island crossword clue"

The clue "small island" is a staple in the world of crosswords, often appearing in various forms to test a solver's vocabulary of geographical terms and synonyms. Its versatility lies in the array of short, common words that fit the description, making it a favorite for constructors needing to fill specific letter counts in their grids.

Beyond the common "ISLE," many lesser-known but frequently used terms exist. Words like "AIT" and "HOLM" hail from Old English or Norse origins, referring specifically to small islands often found in rivers or lakes. "CAY" and "ATOLL" bring a tropical, coral reef association, while "SKERRY" points to rocky outcrops more common in northern seas. Understanding these nuances can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving.

Being familiar with these terms not only helps with this specific clue but also builds a broader knowledge base valuable for tackling other geography-related crossword challenges. Crossword puzzles often recycle popular themes and synonyms, and "small island" is a prime example of a concept with rich, varied answers.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Check Letter Count First: Always use the given number of letters in the crossword grid to immediately narrow down the possible answers for "small island." This is often the most effective first step.
Consider Synonyms and Specific Types: "Small island" can have many synonyms. Think beyond the obvious "isle" to terms like "ait" (river island), "cay" (sandy island), "atoll" (coral island), or "skerry" (rocky island) as specific types that fit the general description.
Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: If you have a few letters from intersecting words, use them to confirm or eliminate potential answers for "small island." This is a fundamental crossword strategy that proves invaluable.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are "small island" clues so common in crosswords?

They provide a good range of short, common synonyms (isle, ait, cay) that are useful for filling in shorter spaces in the grid, making them versatile for puzzle constructors. This allows for diverse grid patterns and wordplay.

What's the difference between an "isle" and an "islet"?

Both refer to small islands. "Isle" is often used poetically or in proper nouns (e.g., Isle of Man, Emerald Isle), while "islet" specifically emphasizes its very small size, sometimes implying it's uninhabited, rocky, or a mere rock formation.

Are there any specific types of small islands frequently appearing in crosswords?

Yes, "CAY" (a low, sandy island common in the Caribbean), "ATOLL" (a ring-shaped coral island formed by a lagoon), and "HOLM" (a small, often riverine island, from Old Norse) are commonly seen in puzzles. "SKERRY" also appears for rocky northern islands.