(obsolete in general sense) A large contiguouslandmass considered independent of its islands, peninsulas etc. Specifically, the Old World continent of Europe–Asia–Africa. See the Continent.
Each of the main continuous land-masses on the earth's surface, now generally regarded as seven in number, including their related islands, continental shelves etc.
“I'm not an isolationist, but I'm not absolutely crazy about continentalism either.”
“The increase in anti-Americanism in Canada since September 11, 2001 represents an inevitable turn toward nationalism after a twenty-year period of continentalism.”
“It is useful to remember that Canadian republicanism in the last century was linked to continentalism.”