Celtic

American  

[kel-tik, sel-] / ˈkɛl tɪk, ˈsɛl- /

Also Keltic

noun

1. a branch of the Indo-European family of languages, including especially Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, and Breton, which survive now in Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, Wales, and Brittany. Celt, Celt.

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adjective

1. of the Celts or their languages.

Celtic British  

/ ˈsɛl-, ˈsɛl-, ˈkɛltɪk, ˈkɛltɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. a branch of the Indo-European family of languages that includes Gaelic, Welsh, and Breton, still spoken in parts of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Brittany. Modern Celtic is divided into the Brythonic (southern) and Goidelic (northern) groups

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the Celts or the Celtic languages

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• Celtically
  adverb
• pre-Celtic
  adjective
• Celticist
  noun
• Celticism
  noun
• non-Celtic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of Celtic

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin Celticus, equivalent to Celt(ae) “the Celts” + -icus adjective suffix; see origin at Celt, -ic ( def. 1 )

Compare meaning

How does celtic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Gaelic vs. Celtic

Example Sentences

Then, at Hampden two weeks ago, O'Neill won his ninth trophy as Celtic manager with a 3-1 win over Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Much of last season at Celtic was marked by sections of the support protesting against the board.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

The list includes the Green Brigade ultras, a selection of podcasts and long-established groups including Glasgow University Celtic Supporters Club and Craigneuk Tommy Gemmell CSC.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Dalglish scored 167 goals in 320 appearances for Celtic between 1969 and 1977 before going on to make 515 appearances for Liverpool.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

There are Celtic crosses now, and the occasional angel.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood