Gaelic

[gey-lik]

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.

Origin of Gaelic

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

Related formsnon-Gael·ic, adjectivepro-Gael·ic, adjective

Can be confusedGaelic Gallic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for gaelic

Contemporary Examples of gaelic

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
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
Even his mythological references came mostly from Greek and Gaelic legends.
Seamus Heaney, 1939-2013: Accessible, Yes, and Beautiful
Jimmy So
August 30, 2013

Historical Examples of gaelic

If you care to be an eavesdropper you must have a knowledge of Gaelic to be one effectively.
Camps, Quarters and Casual Places
Archibald Forbes
"Dancing seems to be more popular than Gaelic," Henry replied.
Changing Winds
St. John G. Ervine
And you're not interested in anything but Ireland and the Gaelic movement.
Changing Winds
St. John G. Ervine
It was in that spirit that Marsh started the Gaelic class in Ballymartin.
Changing Winds
St. John G. Ervine
He was wondering why the interest in the Gaelic language was not so strong as the interest in the waltz.
Changing Winds
St. John G. Ervine

British Dictionary definitions for gaelic

Gaelic

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

Word Origin and History for gaelic

Gaelic

1774 (adj.); 1775 (n.), earlier Gathelik (1590s), from Gael (Scottish Gaidheal; see Gael) + -ic.