English

Proper noun

continental United States

1. (US, geography) 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.
2. (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.

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