ceilidh

[key-lee]

noun

Irish, Scot., and Canadian (chiefly Prince Edward Island).

1. a party, gathering, or the like, at which dancing, singing, and storytelling are the usual forms of entertainment.

ceilidh

/ ˈkeɪlɪ /

noun

1. (esp in Scotland and Ireland) an informal social gathering with folk music, singing, dancing, and storytelling

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceilidh¹

From Irish céilidhe, Scots Gaelic cèilidh, Middle Irish célide, derivative of Old Irish céile “companion”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceilidh¹

C19: from Gaelic

Example Sentences

"She taught me ceilidh dances for our wedding. She did give me some basic stuff, shoulders down!"

From BBC

This year's event kicked off with the parade, followed by afternoon fun events, with a "celebration ceilidh" due to take place on Saturday evening.

From BBC

Calum first learned about traditional music in his school ceilidh band.

From BBC

There was also a firework display as Edinburgh marked its 30th year of the celebrations, while there was a mass ceilidh staged in Inverness.

From BBC

Further north, expected dry weather will also provide perfect conditions for Inverness's Red Hot Highland Fling - an event organisers are calling "one of the biggest ceilidhs on the planet".

From BBC