Rottnest

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An island located off the coast of Western Australia, known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and recreational activities including swimming and biking
2. A small landmass near Perth celebrated for its unique fauna, pristine beaches, and opportunities for outdoor leisure such as snorkeling and hiking
3. A scenic coastal retreat recognized for its population of native quokkas, clear waters, and tourist attractions offering various nature-based experiences

Etymology: Rottnest is a clipped form of "Rottnest Island," the name of an island lying a short distance off the coast of Western Australia near Perth. The island's name is the part that carries the history, and it is older than the word's modern use as a shorthand for the island and its beaches, quokkas and resorts. The name comes from the Dutch "Rotte Nest," meaning "rat's nest," a label given by early Dutch navigators who saw the quokkas, small marsupials they mistook for large rats. The island's inhabitants are still the animal that prompted the name, so the shortened form points straight back to the creatures that make the place famous.