Gaelic

[ gey-lik ]

/ ˈgeɪ lɪk /

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

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for 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|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
If the older form were Gaelic, the substitution, or translation, would have been superfluous.
A Handbook of the English Language|Robert Gordon Latham

At all events it seems to me quite incredible that Gaelic was not introduced into Scotland before the sixth century.
The Heroic Age|H. Munro Chadwick
The tale appeared almost a century ago in a book brought out by a Gaelic Society that then existed in Dublin.
Beauties and Antiquities of Ireland|T. O. Russell
This is the Gaelic name for a sucking-pig, so that it also is probably mythological.
Dean of Lismore's Book|Various
In the Gaelic we find a similar story, called Moorochug and Meenachug.
Curiosities of Superstition|W. H. Davenport Adams

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