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Gilbertian

American

[gil-bur-tee-uhn] / gɪlˈbɜr ti ən /

adjective

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

Gilbertian British

/ ɡɪlˈbɜːtɪən /

adjective

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

"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

Etymology

Origin of Gilbertian

First recorded in 1875–80; Gilbert + -ian

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Evelyn Sharp’s libretto crackles with snappy wordplay, Gilbertian patter and Broadway-worthy couplets.

From New York Times • Jan. 15, 2012

Aided bv Gilbertian satire, Broadway slapstick, attractive dancers, the pepper of quick wisecracks, the charm of music, Peggy-Ann skipped right up to the head of the class in current musical diversions.

From Time Magazine Archive

Lillian Russell played in his chipper Gilbertian revision of The School for Scandal.

From Time Magazine Archive

The play brims with mocking, alert humor, almost Gilbertian in the intent to set the world right by standing it on its head.

From Time Magazine Archive

When Jean Louise felt apprehensive, expectant, or on edge, especially when confronting her aunt, her brain clicked to the meter of Gilbertian tomfoolery.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023