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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Other requirements to qualify include being in receipt of stable and regular income, holding an EU health insurance policy, and being able to communicate in one of the official languages of Malta (English and Maltese). Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 Working as independent contractors who aren’t reimbursed for travel expenses, making enough for groceries, clothing, the dogs (the couple have a Yorkie, a Maltese and a husky), the truck and the costs involved with having a baby can be a challenge. Gina Ryder, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024 Join 5 others in the comments View Comments In 2008, a New York probate court overruled controversial real estate mogul Leona Helmsley’s $12-million bequest to her beloved Maltese, Trouble, knocking down the dog’s share of her estate to $2 million. Alexandra Peers, CNN, 14 Sep. 2024 But her mom, Doriana, decided to take it up a notch by getting her two Toy Maltese Bichons - Nala and Thor. Ronnie Li, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2024 In desperation, the couple’s 17-year-old son snatched the family’s dog, a Maltese named Lily, and rappelled to the ground using some cables hanging near the fire escape, his mother said. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 16 July 2024 Mastermind, the animation of Warner Bros., Chuck Jones and Michael Maltese would be my special subject. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 July 2024 Bonus points for writer Michael Maltese’s hilarious faux-French dialogue. Jeremy Fassler, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2024 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

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 7 Nov. 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

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