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

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

Etymology

Origin of Celtic

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin Celticus, equivalent to Celt(ae) “the Celts” + -icus adjective suffix; 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

Bellamy, who was appointed in July 2024, is contracted until 2028 but has been linked with clubs including Celtic.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Port Talbot will become the first dedicated hub for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

A few moments before the Celtic left-back - playing on the right since his introduction in the 72nd minute - scored the second wonder goal of the night, Hanley was feeling sheepish.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

"Celtic have missed Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter Vickers, Jota and still ground out results," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

“He and Magic saved the NBA. He could shoot from everywhere. A great trash talker too. But the best Celtic of all time has to be Bill Russell.”

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan