gambia

IPA/ˈɡæm.bi.ə/
KK[ɡˈæmbiə]IPA/ˈɡæm.bi.ə/

gambia — noun

1. a nation on the west coast of Africa that is almost entirely surrounded by Seneg

1.nounB1
Definition

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.

Example

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.

Common collocations
  • 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

I went to Zambia last year.' (when meaning Gambia).
I went to Gambia last year.
Zambia is a different country in southern Africa; Gambia is in West Africa.
Gambia is a large country.
Gambia is a small country.
Gambia is one of the smallest countries in Africa.

2. a river in West Africa, about 1,120 kilometres long, that begins in Guinea, flow

2.nounB2
Definition

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.

Example

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.

Common collocations
  • 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

Gambia River is long.
The Gambia River is long.
The river name always takes the definite article.

Common collocations

Phrases

  • along the Gambia
  • the government of Gambia

Prepositions

Etymology

MandinkaPortugueseEnglish

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.