Irish

American  

[ahy-rish] / ˈaɪ rɪʃ /

adjective

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

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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.

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.

Irish British  

/ 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

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noun

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

2. another name for Irish Gaelic

Irish More Idioms  

1. see luck of the devil (Irish).

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Sensitive Note

See Irish pennant.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of Irish

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

Example Sentences

The Irish government has warned that it is considering legislating in the absence of an EU decision.

From Barron's • Jul. 12, 2026

There had been speculation about his future on Ireland's longest-running chat show, but the Irish broadcaster confirmed he will continue as the host until 2028.

From BBC • Jul. 7, 2026

St. Patrick offered evocative details of slaving and missionary work in the lands around the Irish Sea.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 7, 2026

The show is an Irish institution, having started only months after the 1962 launch of Irish TV.

From BBC • Jul. 7, 2026

“You know Coach went to the Irish Pride Pub to talk with my brother,” Erin says.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick