gambia
gambia — noun
1. a nation on the west coast of Africa that is almost entirely surrounded by Seneg
a nation on the west coast of Africa that is almost entirely surrounded by Senegal, with a narrow Atlantic coastline; its capital city is Banjul.
Eli has been living in Gambia for two years, working as a teacher near Banjul.
collocation: in Gambia / in The Gambia
The Gambia is known for its sandy beaches and rich bird life along the river.
Kemi visited Gambia last winter to study the country's mangrove forests.
verb collocation: visit Gambia
Many farmers in Gambia grow peanuts, which is the country's main crop.
Hao read a history of The Gambia before his trip to West Africa.
formal name: The Gambia
- in Gambia
- the government of Gambia
- Gambia's economy
- visit Gambia
- live in Gambia
Grammar Patterns
the Gambia
in Gambia
of Gambia
Usage Note
The country's official name is 'The Gambia' (with a capital T), though 'Gambia' alone is very common in everyday use. The definite article is used in formal contexts, such as 'the government of The Gambia'.
Common Mistakes
2. a river in West Africa, about 1,120 kilometres long, that begins in Guinea, flow
a river in West Africa, about 1,120 kilometres long, that begins in Guinea, flows through Senegal and The Gambia, and empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Gambia River is the main water source for farming in the region.
collocation: the Gambia River
Esteban took a boat trip along the Gambia River to watch for hippos and crocodiles.
The Gambia River flows through three countries before it reaches the Atlantic.
Villages along the Gambia River rely on it for fishing and transport.
preposition: along the Gambia River
Hyun learned that the Gambia River is home to many species of birds.
- the Gambia River
- along the Gambia River
- on the Gambia River
- cross the Gambia River
Grammar Patterns
the Gambia River
the Gambia
Usage Note
This sense almost always appears with the definite article: 'the Gambia River' or simply 'the Gambia' when the context is clearly about the river rather than the country.
Common Mistakes
Common collocations
Etymology
The name 'Gambia' comes from the Mandinka word 'Kambra' or 'Kambaa,' which was the local name for the river. Portuguese explorers in the 15th century adapted it as 'Gambia,' and the name later passed into English. The country was named after the river that runs through it.