continental United States

English

Proper noun

continental United States

1. (US, geography) The portion of the United States which is located on the North American continent; the United States exclusive of Hawaii and other overseas territories.

   Synonym: continental US

2. (US, geography, colloquial) The largest portion of the United States which is not separated by any ocean or non-U.S. land; the United States exclusive of Alaska, Hawaii, and other overseas territories.

   Synonyms: conterminous United States, contiguous United States, contiguous 48, lower 48

Usage notes

While both senses are used in some contexts, the first sense is the more popular interpretation of the phrase.

Synonyms

• lower 48
• contiguous 48
• contiguous United States
• continental US
• CONUS

Translations

United States excluding Hawaii and other overseas territories

• French: États-Unis continentaux (fr) m

United States excluding Alaska, Hawaii and other overseas territories — see contiguous United States