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a group of islands in the W Atlantic Ocean, SE of Florida.
an independent country comprising this group: formerly a British colony; gained independence 1973. 4404 sq. mi. (11,406 sq. km).
Capital: Nassau.
Contemporary Examples

The Musician, located in Copperfield Bay in the Bahamas, was made in collaboration with musician David Copperfield.
Artist Jason deCaires Taylor’s Underwater Sculptures Are a Sight to Sea Justin Jones April 6, 2014

From Miami, Expedia is offering a four-night Bahamas cruise for $45 a night on Norwegian Cruise Line.
Wine Tasting, Zip Lining & Mexico: Last-Minute Labor Day Getaways Nina Strochlic August 24, 2012

For his final engagement before departing for the Bahamas, Harry will visit a military barracks.
Harry Parties in the Belize Night Tom Sykes March 2, 2012

They tend to overlook the fact that when Commissioner Pete Rozelle sealed the deal, Modell was in the Bahamas.
Cleveland Knows Art Modell is Hall of Fame Fraud Larry Durstin February 1, 2013

Casino resorts thrive in the Bahamas and have a presence in almost every port of call for hundreds of miles.
Will Hyman Roth Return to Havana With Normalized Relations? John L. Smith December 17, 2014

Historical Examples

Two days later they were at Nassau in the Bahamas, from which the voyage to England was a secondary and fairly easy matter.
The Romance of a Great Store Edward Hungerford

The Bahamas are far poorer in their fauna than in their flora.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 2 Various

In the island of “Bimini,” one of the Lucayos (Bahamas), was another such a fountain.
Myths And Legends Of Our Own Land, Complete Charles M. Skinner

Soon, however, he learned that they were to be sold in the Bahamas.
The Journal of Negro History, Volume 5, 1920 Various

He avoided Charleston, and winged out above the Atlantic, striking a straight course along the coast toward the Bahamas.
Astounding Stories of Super-Science, October, 1930 Various

plural noun
the Bahamas, a group of over 700 coral islands (about 20 of which are inhabited) in the Caribbean: a British colony from 1783 until 1964; an independent nation within the Commonwealth from 1973. Language: English. Currency: Bahamian dollar. Capital: Nassau. Pop: 319 031 (2013 est). Area: 13 939 sq km (5381 sq miles)

islands discovered by Columbus in 1492, settled by English in 1648, long after the native population had been wiped out by disease or carried off into slavery; the name is said to be from Spanish baja mar “low sea,” in reference to the shallow water here, but more likely represents a local name, Guanahani, whose origin had been lost and whose meaning has been forgotten.
Bahamas [(buh-hah-muhz)]

Republic in the Atlantic Ocean, consisting of 700 islands and islets and 2,400 smaller islands, called cays.

Note: The Bahamas were under the control of Britain until 1973, when they became an independent, self-governing state.

Note: The Bahamas are a popular winter resort.