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Maltese

Maltese

6 5.5
Relating to Malta, its people or its language
  • adjective
  • /mɔːlˈtiːz/
translation icon : maltés
  • In Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon, Sam Spade wants the black bird.
  • Maltese temples
  • Maltese falcon

He's been nicked by the Maltese police force.

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Examples

  • The Maltese islands are made of limestone, so construction using earth ramps and wooden levers was straightforward.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Many visitors enjoy the vibrant Maltese festivals that celebrate local traditions.

  • Tourism is critical to the Maltese economy.

    Academic text (2004)
  • In their view, temple construction reflected the growing isolation of the Maltese population.

    Academic text (2004)
  • The Maltese Ice Caves.

  • As with other megalithic structures, the Maltese temples are a magnet for those speculating about astronomical alignments.

    Academic text (2004)
  • The Maltese language has many unique phrases that reflect the island's history.

  • The Maltese people are known for their hospitality and rich cultural heritage.

Compounds

4.9

A cat with short blue-grey fur and a gentle nature

A garden plant with clusters of bright red flowers

A cross with four equal arms shaped like broad arrowheads that meet at the center

A very small dog with long, straight white silky fur

The national language of Malta with Arabic roots and many European words

Money that Malta used until 2008

A small pet dog with long silky white hair

Surface Forms

Maltese positive

Etymology

Maltese as an adjective is made from Malta and the ending -ese, used to say something is 'from' a place just like Portuguese or Chinese. So Maltese means 'of or about Malta', its people, or its culture.