gilbert

Everyday

1. (a name) A boy's or man's first name, or a surname. tree →
2. (science, rare) An old unit used to measure magnetic force. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and history it is a name, for example Gilbert in «Anne of Green Gables» (Canada), or W. S. Gilbert of the comic operas «Gilbert and Sullivan». The Gilbert Islands are part of Kiribati in the Pacific. Usually written with a capital G.

Examples

• Gilbert Blythe teased Anne in «Anne of Green Gables». tree →
• My great-grandad was called Gilbert. tree →
• Gilbert and Sullivan wrote funny songs and operas. tree →
• The Gilbert Islands are in the Pacific Ocean. tree →
• Gilbert is in my class this year. tree →
• Sir Hum-phrey Gilbert was one of the first men who tried to make a set-tle-ment in A-mer-i-ca. tree →

Note

As a name it always takes a capital letter. Pronounced GIL-bert, with a hard g as in «gift». Only use the unit sense in old science books.