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.

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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

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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

Mescal was an athlete, competing in Gaelic football, but transitioned to acting and later graduated from the drama school at Trinity College Dublin in 2017.

From The Wall Street Journal

The ancient Celtic calendar, also known as the Gaelic or Irish calendar, dates back centuries and is still followed by many in Ireland today.

From BBC

Gaelic and Scots have now been recognised as official languages as part of a range of new measures coming into force on St Andrew's Day.

From BBC

They describe Scotland and storytelling as influences in their music, and say they would love to learn Gaelic and incorporate it into future performances.

From BBC

If he didn't take that time and care to look after me, I might have got into Gaelic football or hurling instead.

From BBC