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Meaning & use

Gozo

proper noun·Advanced

Last updated

UK/ˈɡəʊzəʊ/
US/ˈɡoʊzoʊ/

Meanings

  1. proper nounproper

    An island in the Mediterranean that forms part of the country of Malta, lying just north of the main island.

    Grammar: Names of places take no article: say 'I went to Gozo', not 'to the Gozo'.

    Patterns

    • go to Gozo
    • on Gozo
    • the island of Gozo
    • from Gozo to Malta

    They took the short ferry ride from Malta to Gozo for the weekend.

    Gozo is quieter than the main island, with fishing villages and rocky coves.

    My cousin grew up on Gozo and still speaks both Maltese and English at home.

  2. proper nounproper

    The second-largest island of the Maltese archipelago, known for its hilltop citadel, ancient temples, and diving sites.

    Grammar: Often used before a noun to describe something from the island: 'Gozo ferry', 'Gozo cheese'.

    Patterns

    • Gozo ferry
    • Gozo cheese
    • the Gozo Citadel
    • Gozo and Comino

    The Gozo ferry runs several times a day and takes about twenty-five minutes.

    Divers come to Gozo for the clear water and the famous Blue Hole.

    We bought a small round of Gozo cheese at the village market.

  3. proper nounproperformal

    A region and local council area within Malta, used in addresses and official documents.

    Grammar: In addresses it appears after the street and before the postcode: 'Victoria, Gozo'.

    Patterns

    • Victoria, Gozo
    • the Gozo region
    • Gozo and Comino district

    Please send the parcel to 14 Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo.

    The Gozo region includes the smaller island of Comino.

Common combinations

the Gozo ferry
We caught the Gozo ferry at Cirkewwa just before sunset.
a day trip to Gozo
Many tourists plan a day trip to Gozo from the main island.
the island of Gozo
The island of Gozo has only about thirty thousand residents.
Gozo cheese
Gozo cheese is a mild, salty cheese usually eaten fresh.
Victoria, Gozo
Her address is written as Victoria, Gozo, which surprises some visitors.
travel to Gozo
It is easiest to travel to Gozo by ferry from the northern coast.

Synonyms and how they differ

Għawdex
The Maltese-language name for the same island; use it when writing or speaking Maltese.
the sister island
An informal nickname for Gozo among Maltese people, because it sits beside the larger island; not an official name.

Word family

Gozitan noun
A person who comes from Gozo.
Gozitan adjective
Belonging to or typical of Gozo, as in 'Gozitan lace'.
Malta proper noun
The country that Gozo belongs to.

Commonly confused: Gozo or Gonzo? Gozo or Goza?

Gozo vs Gonzo

Gonzo sounds similar but means wild, strange, or exaggerated, especially in journalism; it has nothing to do with the island.

Gozo vs Goza

Goza is not a standard English place name; learners sometimes misspell Gozo with a final -a.

Practice

Which sentence uses the name of the island correctly?

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