tobago

tobago — noun

1. an island in the southeastern Caribbean Sea that is part of the country of Trini

1.nounB1
Definition

an island in the southeastern Caribbean Sea that is part of the country of Trinidad and Tobago.

Example

Baraka visited Tobago last spring and says the beaches are beautiful.

Élise wants to travel from Trinidad to Tobago by ferry next weekend.

pattern: from [place] to [place]

Common collocations
  • in Tobago
  • to Tobago
  • from Tobago
  • Trinidad and Tobago

Grammar Patterns

in / to / from + Tobago

Usage Note

Tobago is a proper noun and normally follows a preposition (in, to, from) rather than an article. The article the is used only in the full country name 'Trinidad and Tobago'.

Common Mistakes

I went to the Tobago last year.
I went to Tobago last year.
geographical island names usually do not take an article.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Tobago refers specifically to the smaller of the two main islands that make up the country of Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad is the larger, more populous island where the capital, Port of Spain, is located. When referring to the country as a whole, speakers say 'Trinidad and Tobago' — never just 'Tobago'. For example: 'She lives in Trinidad, not Tobago.' / 'The delegation flew to Trinidad and Tobago for the conference.'

Tobago ↗Trinidad

Common collocations

Nouns

  • Trinidad and Tobago

Phrases

  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • the island of Tobago

Prepositions

Etymology

Spanish (tabaco)English

The name Tobago is believed to come from the Spanish word 'tabaco' (tobacco), because the island's shape reminded early Spanish explorers of a tobacco pipe. It entered English through Spanish and Dutch colonial usage.