an island off the coast of Massachusetts, N. America, is situated 30 miles S. of the peninsula Cape Cod, and 10 E. of the island of Martha's Vineyard. It is of a triangular shape, 15 miles in length, by 4 in average breadth; area 50 square miles. The surface is level, with the exception of some hills in the southern part. The soil is generally sandy; but affords in some places good pasture. Maize, potatoes, and grass, are the principal crops raised on the island. The inhabitants are employed to a great extent in navigation and fishing, especially in the whale fishery. The town of Nantucket is situated on a bay in the N. coast of the island, in N. Lat. 41. 17., W. Long. 70. 6., and about 105 miles S.E. by S. of Boston. It is compactly built, with narrow streets and wooden houses; and contains 8 or 9 churches, 2 newspaper offices, a bank, and an atheneum with a library and museum attached to it. On the 13th of July 1846, the town was devastated by fire; and no fewer than 350 buildings were destroyed; among which were a church, 2 banks, the atheneum, and 7 oil and candle manufactories. The total loss was estimated at L.40,000; and the number of families who suffered by it was 450. Nantucket was the earliest town in the States to engage in the whale fishery, in which it holds a prominent position, but is still in this respect inferior to New Bedford. The registered tonnage of the port amounted in 1852 to 27,231; of which 18,015 tons were employed in whale fishing, 3048 tons in the coaling trade, 403 in the cod and mackerel fisheries, and 479 in steam navigation. About 2000 men are generally employed in whale fishing, and a capital of L.100,000 or L.120,000. The harbour of Nantucket is large, deep, and well sheltered by two promontories, which leave an entrance only three-quarters of a mile broad. A lighthouse with a fixed light stands on its south side. A steamer plies between Nantucket and New Bedford. Pop. 8452.