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

The Highland Ceilidh will be commenced in the next number, and continued from month to month.

From Project Gutenberg

The fire in the centre of the room was almost a necessity of the good old Ceilidh days.

From Project Gutenberg

At the evening ceilidh a competent reader of Gaelic can usually be found.

From Project Gutenberg

They say these "ceilidh" are not yet altogether given up in Gairloch parish.

From Project Gutenberg

As for the superstition of the tales of ceilidh and buaile-mhart I have little to say.

From Project Gutenberg