Proper noun
- (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.
- (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.
