Irish

[ahy-rish]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Ireland, its inhabitants, or their language.

noun

1. the inhabitants of Ireland and their descendants elsewhere.

2. the aboriginal Celtic-speaking people of Ireland.

3. Also called Irish Gaelic. the Celtic language of Ireland in its historical or modern form. Ir, Ir.

4. Irish English.

5. Irish whiskey.

Irish

/ ˈaɪrɪʃ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Ireland, its people, their Celtic language, or their dialect of English

2. informal,  ludicrous or illogical

noun

1. (functioning as plural) the natives or inhabitants of Ireland

2. another name for Irish Gaelic

Sensitive Note

See Irish pennant.

Other Word Forms

• Irishly adverb
• anti-Irish adjective
• half-Irish adjective
• non-Irish adjective
• pre-Irish adjective
• pro-Irish adjective
• pseudo-Irish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Irish¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English Yrisse, Iris(c)h; compare Old English Īras people of Ireland (cognate with Old Norse Īrar ); -ish ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. get one's Irish up, to become angry or outraged.

   Don't go getting your Irish up over a little matter like that.

see luck of the devil (Irish).

Example Sentences

Assuming Jackson is healthy, the two backs are likely to share the load for USC Saturday against the Irish, who have clamped down in recent weeks against the run.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He also thanked three Irish women who rushed to his aid in the aftermath and helped "patch him up."

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The three-time British and Irish Lions tourist made the announcement two months before the start of the Rugby World Cup, citing wear and tear on his body.

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England international Smith, making his first appearance since the British and Irish Lions tour, ran in Quins' opening try and directed the aerial assault that ended the visitors' perfect league record.

Read more on Barron's

But while he was there, he met an Irish woman - he says they fell in love and married.

Read more on BBC