# Gibraltar

/dʒɪˈbɹɔɫtɝ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gibraltar
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a small British territory located on a large rock at the southern tip of Spain. It is famous for its high cliffs and the wild monkeys that live there.

For teachers: a British Overseas Territory and headland located on the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Often used metonymically in political contexts to refer to the British administration or the strategic strait it overlooks.

## Examples

- Many tourists visit Gibraltar to see the famous Rock.
- The strategic location of Gibraltar allows for the monitoring of all maritime traffic entering or leaving the Mediterranean Sea.
- The sovereignty of Gibraltar remains a point of diplomatic contention between the United Kingdom and Spain, despite the territory's strong constitutional links to the British Crown.

## Usage notes

- As a proper noun, it is typically used without an article ('Gibraltar'), though the physical landmark is called 'the Rock of Gibraltar'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.