what does great britain mean

Great Britain refers to the island that comprises three countries: England, Scotland, and Wales. It is both a geographical term for the island itself and a political term for the combined territory of these three nations. Great Britain does not include Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom along with these three countries. The term "Great Britain" originated from the union of the kingdoms of England and Scotland in 1707 to form the Kingdom of Great Britain. The inhabitants of Great Britain and the broader United Kingdom are generally called British, although more specific terms like English, Scottish, Welsh, or Northern Irish are also used depending on the country of origin.