Meaning & use

Ferdinand Magellan

proper noun·Academic

A Portuguese explorer who led the first expedition that sailed all the way around the world.

See it in a sentence

Ferdinand Magellan set sail in 1519 hoping to find a westward route to the Spice Islands.

Although Magellan died in the Philippines, part of his crew completed the voyage around the globe.

A note on using this word

Magellan did not survive the entire voyage; he was killed in the Philippines in 1521 before his remaining crew completed the circumnavigation.

Words with a similar meaning

This term is best learned through its definition and examples.

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “Ferdinand Magellan”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.