Gaelic

[gey-lik, gol-ik]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gaelic¹

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

Example Sentences

"And then I heard randomly, because I'm from the Isle of Skye, that a Gaelic TV series was being shot there."

From BBC

It was an identity that helped bind them to their co-religionists on the rest of the island, particularly in the fields of Gaelic sport and culture.

From BBC

Her brief also includes responsibilities for the economy and Gaelic.

From BBC

She added "sport should be something that unifies people, no one should be excluded because they come from a Gaelic background."

From BBC

His mother was a Gaelic speaker, born and raised in Lewis in the Western Isles, who moved to America aged 18 in 1930.

From BBC