virgin islands of the united states

plural noun

1. a group of islands in the West Indies, including St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix: purchased from Denmark 1917. 133 sq. mi. (345 sq. km). Capital: Charlotte Amalie.

pl n

1. a territory of the US in the Caribbean, consisting of islands west and south of the British Virgin Islands: purchased from Denmark in 1917 for their strategic importance. Capital: Charlotte Amalie. Pop: 104 737 (2013 est). Area: 344 sq km (133 sq miles)Former name: Danish West Indies