a country in the Indian Ocean consisting of over 100 islands. It was part of the French empire until the late 18th century, when it became part of the British Empire . It has been an independent republic and a member of the Commonwealth since 1976. Tourism is an important industry in the Seychelles. In Britain it is thought of as a place where people go for expensive holidays.
► Seychellois adj , n ( pl Seychellois ).