Gilbertian

[ gil-bur-tee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the style or humor of Sir William S. Gilbert.

Gilbertian

/ ɡɪlˈbɜːtɪən /

adjective

1. characteristic of or resembling the style or whimsical humour of W. S. Gilbert

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gilbertian¹

First recorded in 1875–80; Gilbert + -ian

Example Sentences

These complications were getting exceedingly Gilbertian in character.

From Project Gutenberg

This last is on the old lines of "palmy-day" burlesque, and has not much in it that is characteristically Gilbertian.

From Project Gutenberg

In the dialogue, however, one comes across an occasional passage which strikes one as quite Gilbertian in its cynicism.

From Project Gutenberg

Of him the great Gilbertian generalisation is untrue; he was not born either a little Liberal or else a little Conservative.

From Project Gutenberg

His plays are full of modern odds and ends, and in form are anything from the Robertsonian comedy to the Gilbertian extravaganza.

From Project Gutenberg