gibraltar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal in geographical/political contexts; informal in figurative use.
Quick answer
What does “gibraltar” mean?
A British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar.
Used metonymically to refer to the iconic limestone promontory (the Rock of Gibraltar); figuratively, a symbol of strength, steadfastness, or impregnability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Far more frequent in British English due to political and historical ties. In American English, it is primarily a geographical reference or a cultural metaphor.
Connotations
In British English, connotes colonial history, strategic military value, and current political issues (e.g., sovereignty debates with Spain). In American English, the figurative connotation ('solid as the Rock of Gibraltar') is more neutral, denoting general stability.
Frequency
High frequency in UK news media regarding Spain-UK relations; low in general US discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “gibraltar” in a Sentence
[BE] as solid as Gibraltar[VERB] Gibraltar (geopolitical object)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gibraltar” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Gibraltar-style fortifications
- a Gibraltar-like resolve
American English
- Gibraltar-solid confidence
- a Gibraltar-strong guarantee
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for a very stable company or investment: 'Their finances are as solid as Gibraltar.'
Academic
Subject in geopolitics, history, and geography studies.
Everyday
Rare, except in the fixed simile for reliability.
Technical
Used in geology, maritime navigation (Strait of Gibraltar), and military strategy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gibraltar”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gibraltar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gibraltar”
- Misspelling: 'Gibralter', 'Gibrator'. Using lowercase 'g' when it is a proper noun.
- Incorrect article use: 'the Gibraltar' is wrong for the territory alone, but correct in 'the Rock of Gibraltar'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a British Overseas Territory.
Typically no, except in the figurative idiom 'a Gibraltar of...' meaning a bastion of something.
Stress is on the second syllable: gi-BRAL-tar.
Historically as a strategic military fortress and today as a symbol of strength, plus its unique status and the famous Barbary macaques.
A British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar.
Gibraltar is usually formal in geographical/political contexts; informal in figurative use. in register.
Gibraltar: in British English it is pronounced /dʒɪˈbrɔːltə/, and in American English it is pronounced /dʒɪˈbrɔltər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “solid as the Rock of Gibraltar”
- “like Gibraltar”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a giant BRITISH lion (UK) standing on a huge ROCK, guarding the entrance to a strait. The lion is GIB (gibberish) but RALTer (like a falter) doesn't — it never falters. Gibraltar = British rock that doesn't falter.
Conceptual Metaphor
STABILITY/STRENGTH IS A MASSIVE ROCK (Gibraltar).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Gibraltar' used figuratively?