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  • Word comparison: Great Britain vs. United Kingdom

Great Britain vs. United Kingdom

Great Britain vs. United Kingdom: 's the difference?

The name United Kingdom (abbreviated U.K.) is short for United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the official name of the nation that consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Geographically and politically, Great Britain (or simply Britain) refers to the island where England, Scotland, and Wales are located. Northern Ireland is not part of Great Britain—which is why it’s specified in the full name of the United Kingdom.

Great Britain

noun

  1. an island of NW Europe, separated from the mainland by the English Channel and the North Sea: since 1707 the name has applied politically to England, Scotland, and Wales. 88,139 sq. mi. (228,280 sq. km).

United Kingdom

noun

  1. a kingdom in NW Europe, consisting of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: formerly comprising Great Britain and Ireland 1801–1922. 94,242 sq. mi. (244,100 sq. km). : London. : U.K.