Celtic

[ kel-tik, sel- ]

/ ˈkɛl tɪk, ˈsɛl- /

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noun

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. Abbreviations: Celt, Celt.

adjective

of the Celts or their languages.

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QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also Kelt·ic

[kel-tik] /ˈkɛl tɪk/ .

Origin of Celtic

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin Celticus, equivalent to Celt(ae) “the Celts” + -icus adjective suffix; see origin at Celt, -ic (def. 1)

OTHER WORDS FROM Celtic

Celt·i·cal·ly, adverbnon-Celt·ic, adjectivepre-Celt·ic, adjective

Words nearby Celtic

Cels., Celsius, Celsius scale, celt, Celtiberian, Celtic, Celtic cross, Celticism, Celticist, Celtic Sea, Celto-

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Celtic in a sentence

So, as the horned god of Celtic polytheism, Cernunnos is often associated with horned animals, forests, fertility, and even wealth.
15 Powerful Ancient Celtic Gods and Goddesses|Dattatreya Mandal|June 24, 2022|Realm of History
He was the Celtic deity of love, youth, and even poetic inspiration.
15 Powerful Ancient Celtic Gods and Goddesses|Dattatreya Mandal|June 24, 2022|Realm of History
They dominated the possession battle throughout the series, but especially in the clinching Game 6, when they forced 22 Celtic turnovers.
The Warriors’ Latest Title Might Be Their Most Surprising|Jared Dubin|June 17, 2022|FiveThirtyEight
Two readers marked the start of winter with Samhain, an ancient Celtic pagan festival signaling the end of harvest season.
Our Very Unscientific Poll On When Each Season Starts|Jasmine Mithani (Jasmine.Mithani@abc.com)|November 24, 2021|FiveThirtyEight

Another series, “Amigas,” places groups of women in front of Celtic-style infinite-knot designs, intricate if less stereotypically womanly.
In the galleries: Exploring how body language is a visual form of communication|Mark Jenkins|June 11, 2021|Washington Post
The couple will visit Pictou County for an event to celebrate Celtic heritage in Nova Scotia.
Camilla Carries On After Brother's Death||May 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
FitzPatrick was once one of the heroes of Celtic Tiger Ireland.
The Men Who Killed the Economy|Niall Stanage|November 19, 2010|DAILY BEAST
The bleak, snowy hills of Scotland are the setting for a slicey, dicey Roman invasion against the dashing, plucky Celtic tribes.
Neil Marshall's Action Plan|Choire Sicha|August 27, 2010|DAILY BEAST
In Glasgow, the Celtic-Rangers rivalry is a matter of Catholics and Protestants.
The 5 Must-Read Books on Soccer|Joshua Robinson|June 12, 2010|DAILY BEAST
The last one is a wink from Doyle acknowledging his own impact on the culture of the Celtic Tiger.
Great Irish Adventures|Allen Barra|June 9, 2010|DAILY BEAST
That same day Lawrence received what the Celtic soldiers among the garrison regarded as a warning of his approaching end.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
Nothing very specific can be said about the settlements of the Celtic inhabitants of these islands before the coming of Csar.
The Towns of Roman Britain|James Oliver Bevan
Also that the origins of Celtic Christendom contained distinctively Greek elements.
The Towns of Roman Britain|James Oliver Bevan
And also point out authorities bearing upon the customs of Celtic agricultural tenancy?
Notes and Queries, Number 192, July 2, 1853|Various
Will any antiquary versed in Celtic customs explain whether this claim of possession grew out of any Celtic usage of tenancy?
Notes and Queries, Number 192, July 2, 1853|Various

British Dictionary definitions for Celtic

Celtic

Keltic

/ (ˈkɛltɪk, ˈsɛl-) /

noun

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

adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of the Celts or the Celtic languages

Derived forms of Celtic

Celtically or Keltically, adverbCelticism (ˈkɛltɪˌsɪzəm, ˈsɛl-) or Kelticism, nounCelticist, Celtist, Kelticist or Keltist, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012