Gaelic

[ gey-lik, gol-ik ]

/ ˈgeɪ lɪk, ˈgɒl ɪk /

Save This Word!

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.

COMPARE MEANINGS

Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of Gaelic

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

OTHER WORDS FROM Gaelic

non-Gael·ic, adjectivepro-Gael·ic, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH Gaelic

Gaelic , Gallic

Words nearby Gaelic

Gadzooks, gae, Gaea, Gaekwar, Gael, Gaelic, Gaelic coffee, Gaelic football, Gaeltacht, Gaeta, gaff

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|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|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|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|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 ManCompare 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