a fortified seaport and market town of England, county of Hants, on the western side of Portsmouth harbour, near its mouth, directly opposite and about a mile from Portsmouth, with which it is connected by a floating bridge moved by a steam-engine working on two fixed chains. It forms no part of the borough of Portsmouth, but is governed by trustees under an old act of parliament. It is fortified on the land side by a line of bastions extending from Weovil to Alverstoke, and having the appearance of being a segment of the fortifications of Portsmouth. Within the fortifications is the royal St Clarence victualling yard, with brewery, cooperage, powder-magazines, biscuit-baking establishment, and storehouses for various kinds of provisions for the royal navy. To the south is the magnificent Haslar naval hospital, capable of containing 2000 patients. Gosport has also an extensive establishment for the manufacture of anchors and chain cables. It communicates with London by the South-Western Railway. The coasting trade is considerable. Pop. (1851) 7414.