Gabon

IPA/ɡˈabɒn/
KK[ɡəbˈɑn]IPA/ɡəbˈɑːn/

Gabon — noun

1. A nation on the western side of Africa, with a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean a

1.nounA2
Definition

A nation on the western side of Africa, with a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and rainforests covering much of its land.

Example

Paloma spent three years working as a wildlife biologist in Gabon's national parks.

collocation: in + Gabon (preposition + country)

The government of Gabon has protected over ten percent of its land for nature reserves.

proper noun + singular verb: 'the government of Gabon has'

Common collocations
  • in Gabon
  • to Gabon
  • the capital of Gabon
  • the government of Gabon
  • Gabon's economy / exports / rainforests
  • visit / travel to / leave Gabon

Grammar Patterns

Gabon + singular verb

in + Gabon

to + Gabon

Usage Note

Like most country names, Gabon does not take an article ('the Gabon' is incorrect). Use in Gabon to mean within its borders, and to Gabon for direction of travel. The subject Gabon takes a singular verb.

Common Mistakes

She travelled to the Gabon last year.
She travelled to Gabon last year.
Country names do not take 'the' unless they are plural (the Philippines, the Netherlands) or contain a common noun (the United States).
Gabon have a warm, wet climate.
Gabon has a warm, wet climate.
Country names are treated as singular in English.

Word family

  • Gabonese
    adjectiveB1
  • Gabonese
    nounB1

Common collocations

Nouns

Prepositions

Etymology

PortugueseFrenchEnglish

The name Gabon comes from the Portuguese word 'gabão', which means 'cloak' or 'hood'. Portuguese explorers in the 15th century thought the shape of the Komo River estuary looked like a cloak. The name was later adopted by French colonisers and then into English.