Relating or pertaining to, or of the nature of, a continent; entitled to be considered a continent.Characteristic of a continent: opposed to insular: as, a continental climate. See below.Specifically, of or belonging to the continent, as distinguished from adjacent islands, and especially to the continent of Europe: as, the continental press; the continental Sunday.Inclined to favor a strengthening of the general government and an increase of unity among the colonies.n. A native or an inhabitant of a continent, specifically of the continent of Europe.n. In American history, a soldier of the regular army of the revolted colonies in the war of independence.