Cozumel

/koʊzuˈmel/ noun

Definition

An island off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, known for its coral reefs and diving sites.

Etymology

From Mayan 'Cuzamil' meaning 'land of the swallows', referring to the migratory birds that frequent the island. The name was adapted by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.

Kelly Says

Cozumel was considered sacred by the ancient Maya as a pilgrimage site for women seeking fertility blessings from the goddess Ixchel. Today, it's one of the world's top diving destinations, with the Mesoamerican Reef System running along its coast.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.