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

The long-term goal is to establish the Celtic Sea as a major hub for floating offshore wind energy.

From BBC

Ironically, alongside Darren Fletcher, who he is the leading candidate to replace as interim manager, the 44-year-old played for the club in a legends game at Celtic in September.

From BBC

A war trumpet was used by Celtic tribes across Europe to intimidate their enemies and to inspire and direct warriors during battle.

From BBC

The success or otherwise of that - and similar manoeuvres at Hearts and Celtic over the next few weeks - will go a long way to deciding the destination of the title.

From BBC

But they are now three points ahead of Old Firm rivals Celtic who, like Hearts, have a game in hand.

From Barron's