Gaelic

American  

[gey-lik, gol-ik] / ˈgeɪ lɪk, ˈgɒl ɪk /

noun

1. a Celtic language that includes the speech of ancient Ireland and the dialects that have developed from it, especially those usually known as Irish, Manx, and Scottish Gaelic: Gaelic constitutes the Goidelic subbranch of Celtic.

---

adjective

1. of or in Gaelic.

2. of or relating to the Gaels or their language.

Gaelic British  

/ ˈɡæl-, ˈɡeɪlɪk /

noun

1. any of the closely related languages of the Celts in Ireland, Scotland, or (formerly) the Isle of Man Compare Goidelic

---

adjective

1. of, denoting, or relating to the Celtic people of Ireland, Scotland, or the Isle of Man or their language or customs

Other Word Forms

• anti-Gaelic
  adjective
• non-Gaelic
  adjective
• pro-Gaelic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of Gaelic

First recorded in 1590–1600; Gael + -ic (representing Scots Gaelic Gaidhlig, derivative of Gaidheal Gael )

Compare meaning

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

• Gaelic vs. Celtic

Example Sentences

Killybegs was dominated by two sports - football, or soccer as it's often known in the north west, and Gaelic football, which is Ireland's traditional national sport.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

After claiming a photo-finish victory at Kempton Park on Boxing Day to topple 2024 King George winner Banbridge and 9-4 joint-favourite Gaelic Warrior, Redknapp said: "We've come into the Champions League today."

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Irish trainer Willie Mullins will rely solely on Gaelic Warrior as he looks for a fifth victory.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

An Ceann Mor - which means large headland in Gaelic - was opened by the Scottish government's then rural affairs minister Richard Lochhead.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

Yet here, instead of the spiky Gothic then in use, was the lovely old Gaelic minuscule, as neat and round and small as when he had learned it from some ancient saint in dim Dunlothian.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White