Claddagh ring

British

/ ˈklædə /

noun

any of various elaborately designed rings, esp one in the shape of two hands embracing a heart, given as a token of lasting affection

"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

Etymology

Origin of Claddagh ring

from Claddagh , a small fishing village on the edge of Galway city

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Claddagh ring persists today as both an icon of affection and Irish ancestry.

From National Geographic • Jan. 11, 2024

"He wore the Claddagh ring for the rest of his life."

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2024

On Aug. 7, she got a Claddagh ring, a traditional Irish symbol that represents love, loyalty and friendship, on her right forearm, just below her elbow.

From New York Times • Oct. 14, 2021

Bulger’s coveted rat-shaped pencil holder sold for $3,600, while his gold diamond Claddagh ring fetched the highest price of the auction at $23,000.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 26, 2016

Specimens of the distinctive Claddagh ring, for example, were worn and treasured as venerated heirlooms.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 4 "G" to "Gaskell, Elizabeth" by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023