Gaelic

American  

[gey-lik, gol-ik] / ˈgeɪ lɪk, ˈgɒl ɪk /

noun

1. a Celtic language that includes the speech of ancient Ireland and the dialects that have developed from it, especially those usually known as Irish, Manx, and Scottish Gaelic: Gaelic constitutes the Goidelic subbranch of Celtic.

---

adjective

1. of or in Gaelic.

2. of or relating to the Gaels or their language.

Gaelic British  

/ ˈɡæl-, ˈɡeɪlɪk /

noun

1. any of the closely related languages of the Celts in Ireland, Scotland, or (formerly) the Isle of Man Compare Goidelic

---

adjective

1. of, denoting, or relating to the Celtic people of Ireland, Scotland, or the Isle of Man or their language or customs

Other Word Forms

• anti-Gaelic
  adjective
• non-Gaelic
  adjective
• pro-Gaelic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of Gaelic

First recorded in 1590–1600; Gael + -ic (representing Scots Gaelic Gaidhlig, derivative of Gaidheal Gael )

Compare meaning

How does gaelic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Gaelic vs. Celtic

Example Sentences

Killybegs was dominated by two sports - football, or soccer as it's often known in the north west, and Gaelic football, which is Ireland's traditional national sport.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

He had a decision to make - Dorrian said "everyone was wanting a piece of him" and he was "under a lot of pressure" to select Gaelic football - which is an amateur sport.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Last week, Croke Park stadium chief executive Peter McKenna suggested a long-awaited fight for Taylor at the 82,000-capacity home of Gaelic games could happen on a card shared with Tyson Fury.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Kelly: Was there ever a chance you could have gone into Gaelic football rather than football?

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

A few of the Gaelic ones revolted, who were quelled later, but in the main the people of England and the partisans like Robin were glad to settle down.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White