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

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

Coleman had also been called into Donegal's minor team, a massive honour for any underage Gaelic footballer with hopes of making it big.

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

Gaelic Warrior, trained by Willie Mullins, went off as the 11-4 joint favourite alongside Jango Baie, but outclassed the field after making the turn for home.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

His knights were to fight, not against gallowglasses, but against the knights of the Gaelic Confederation.

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