Antarctica is a landmass.
Antarctica ( UK English [ ænˈtɑːktɪkə ] or [ ænˈtɑːtɪkə ] , US English [ æntˈɑːrktɪkə ] ) is Earth 's southernmost continent . At 14000000 km2 , it is the fifth-largest continent . Australia , sometimes known in technical contexts by the names Sahul , Australinea or Meganesia , to distinguish it from the Australian mainland , is a continent comprising mainland Australia , Tasmania , New Guinea , Seram , possibly Timor , and neighbouring islands . A continent is one of several very large landmasses on Earth .