Gaelic

[ gey-lik, gol-ik ]

noun

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

of or in Gaelic.
of or relating to the Gaels or their language.

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Origin of Gaelic

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

Other words from Gaelic

an·ti-Gael·ic, adjective
non-Gael·ic, adjective
pro-Gael·ic, adjective

Words that may be confused with Gaelic

Gaelic , Gallic

Words Nearby Gaelic

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

How to use Gaelic in a sentence

Auld lang syne” is Scottish-Gaelic for “old long since,” or, more idiomatically, “days gone by” or “time long past.
The Most Confusing Christmas Music Lyrics Explained (VIDEO) | Kevin Fallon | December 24, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Another was Greg Jacob, a pro rugby player for Gaelic Athletic Association.
The X Factor of Sex Invades Britain: Rebecca More’s ‘Sex Tour’ Enrages UK Politicians | Marlow Stern | October 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Even the words vodka and whiskey are derived from the same word: “water” in Slavic and Gaelic, respectively.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Vodka | Debra A. Klein | July 23, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Even his mythological references came mostly from Greek and Gaelic legends.
Seamus Heaney, 1939-2013: Accessible, Yes, and Beautiful | Jimmy So | August 30, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
The most philosophical language is the Gaelic, which has no present tense—and the most useless.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 25 (of 25) | Robert Louis Stevenson

Late in the evening we hailed the Gaelic shoars, and hankered in the arbor of Balong sir-mare.
Memoirs of Mr. Charles J. Yellowplush | William Makepeace Thackeray
The Mountain of the Mist, they say the words signify in the Gaelic tongue; and it is well named.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson, Volume XXI | Robert Louis Stevenson
I have always thought of the shears by its Gaelic name, but it is past my power to spell it.
The Red Cow and Her Friends | Peter McArthur
If you take a pair of shears, close and open them and then try to pronounce the sound you hear, you will have the Gaelic name.
The Red Cow and Her Friends | Peter McArthur

British Dictionary definitions for Gaelic

Gaelic

/ (ˈɡeɪlɪk, ˈɡæl-) /

noun

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

adjective

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

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

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