Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to Malta, its people, or its culture: Describes something originating from or associated with the island republic of Malta or its inhabitants.

2. Noun:

   • A breed of small dog: A specific breed of toy dog characterized by a long, straight, silky, and pure white coat.
   • A type of domestic cat: In the United States, a term sometimes used informally for any short-haired bluish-grey cat.
   • The national language of Malta: A Semitic language that is the official language of Malta, derived from Arabic with significant vocabulary influences from Italian, Sicilian, Spanish, and Norman-French.
   • A person from Malta: A native or inhabitant of the Republic of Malta.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The Maltese archipelago consists of several islands.
  • We enjoyed traditional Maltese food.

• Noun (Dog Breed):

  • Her Maltese is very playful and affectionate.

• Noun (Language):

  • He is learning to speak Maltese.

• Noun (Person):

  • The Maltese are known for their hospitality.

Advanced Usage

• "Maltese Falcon": A famous cultural reference, notably from the 1941 film , which features a statuette as a central plot element. This usage is distinct from the direct definitions of the word.
• "Maltese cross": A cross with four V-shaped or arrowhead-shaped arms, often used as a symbol. This is a specific heraldic and cultural symbol.

Variants and Related Words

• Malteser (noun, less common variant): An alternative term for a native or inhabitant of Malta.
• Maltese-language (adjective): Pertaining to the Maltese language (e.g., Maltese-language literature).

Synonyms

• For the language: There are no direct synonyms, as it is a proper noun for a specific language.
• For the person: Maltese national, Maltese citizen.
• For the dog breed: Maltese dog, Maltese terrier (an older term).

Related Phrases

• Phrasal verbs: The word "Maltese" itself does not form standard English phrasal verbs.

Related Idioms

• There are no common English idioms that centrally feature the word "Maltese" aside from the cultural references mentioned in "Advanced Usage."

Adjective

1. of or relating to the island or republic of Malta or its inhabitants
   • Maltese customs officers

Noun

1. breed of toy dogs having a long straight silky white coat
2. a term applied indiscriminately in the United States to any short-haired bluish-grey cat
3. the national language of the Republic of Malta; a Semitic language derived from Arabic but with many loan words from Italian, Spanish, and Norman-French
4. a native or inhabitant of Malta