What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tombolo
Example
The tombolo provided a convenient pathway for visitors to reach the island. [tombolo: noun]
Example
The beach was formed by the accumulation of sand on the tombolo. [tombolo: noun]
isthmus
Example
The isthmus of Panama connects North and South America. [isthmus: noun]
Example
The canal was built across the isthmus to connect the two oceans. [isthmus: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Isthmus is more commonly used than tombolo in everyday language. Isthmus is a versatile term that can refer to various narrow land formations, while tombolo is a more specific term that describes a sandbar or shoal connecting an island to the mainland.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tombolo and isthmus?
Both tombolo and isthmus are formal terms used in geography and geology. However, isthmus is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, including historical and political discussions, making it more common in formal settings.
