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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Researchers published their findings on April 9 in Nature, and argue that as much as a millennium’s worth of Maltese prehistory may warrant reevaluation. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2025 The docks and logistics areas, which are managed by the Maltese Federation of Aquaculture Producers, are as tightly guarded as a military zone. Julia Amberger, Nanni Fontana, Marzio Mian, & Nicola Scevola (tr. Elettra Pauletto), The Dial, 3 Apr. 2025 Below this, the tourbillon—which takes on the aspect of a Maltese Cross, the maison’s signature—revolves courtesy of the self-winding Calibre 2162 R31/270, a 6.35mm-thick in-house movement with a 72-hour power reserve and 242 components. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025 Prior to marrying Betsy in 1991, Gene welcomed his three children with his first wife Faye Maltese: Christopher, 63, Elizabeth, 61, and Leslie, 57. Bailey Richards, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025 The actor had three children with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese, who died in 2017. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025 The 95-year-old actor shared one son and two daughters with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese: Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62, and Leslie, 58. Jessica Schladebeck, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 Hackman has two daughters Elizabeth Jean and Leslie Anne—with his first wife, Faye Maltese. Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025 The French Connection actor shared three children, Elizabeth, Christopher and Leslie, with his late ex-wife Faye Maltese. Sharareh Drury, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Maltese was in 1615

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Cite this Entry

“Maltese.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Maltese. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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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