Maltese

noun

Mal·​tese mȯl-ˈtēz How to pronounce Maltese (audio)
-ˈtēs
plural Maltese
1
: a native or inhabitant of Malta
2
: the Semitic language of the Maltese people
3
: any of a breed of toy dogs with a long silky white coat, a black nose, and very dark eyes
Maltese adjective

Illustration of Maltese

Illustration of maltese
  • Maltese 3

Examples of Maltese in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Last month, the NBA owner wished her fiancé a happy birthday in a sweet post on Instagram that featured their adorable Maltese. Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2023 The physique and the woman’s nationality—Maltese—somehow precipitates something in the story between this rather English mother and daughter, the elegant, charming, louche mother and the uptight daughter. Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2023 The film is being produced by Tina O’Reilly of Hell’s Kitchen in Ireland and Fabrizio Maltese of Luxembourg’s Joli Rideau Media. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 2 Sep. 2023 This is where Healthy Breeds Maltese Bright Whitening Shampoo comes in. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2023 In addition to the two people who were injured, a Maltese Shih Tzu dog was also attacked by the coyote. Adam Sabes, Fox News, 1 July 2023 Kourtney was absolutely glowing with confidence in a bikini pic of herself wearing the Sommer Swim Kaia Maltese Triangle Bikini Top ($89) and the Milla Maltese Tie Side Bikini Bottoms ($89) tied under her growing bump. Hannah Oh, Seventeen, 26 June 2023 Small dogs, like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese or Shih Tzus typically live between 14-16 years. USA TODAY, 15 June 2023 The data and modeling concluded that there may be one cubic kilometer of fresh water offshore, enough to supply the population of the Maltese Islands for 75 years. Rob L. Evans, Scientific American, 15 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Maltese.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Maltese was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near Maltese

Cite this Entry

“Maltese.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Maltese. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Maltese

noun
Mal·​tese mȯl-ˈtēz How to pronounce Maltese (audio)
plural Maltese
1
: a person born or living in Malta
2
: the Semitic language of the Maltese people
3
: any of a breed of toy dogs with a long silky white coat, a black nose, and dark eyes
Maltese adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Maltese

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!