Scottish

American  

[skot-ish] / ˈskɒt ɪʃ /

adjective

1. Also of or relating to Scotland, its people, or their language.

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noun

1. the people of Scotland.

2. Scots.

Scottish British  

/ ˈskɒtɪʃ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Scotland, its people, their Gaelic language, or their English dialect

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noun

1. (functioning as plural) the Scots collectively

Commonly Confused

See Scotch.

Other Word Forms

• Scottishly
  adverb
• Scottishness
  noun
• half-Scottish
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of Scottish

First recorded before 900; Middle English, from Late Latin Scott(us) Scot + -ish ¹; replacing Old English Scyttisc

Example Sentences

Swinney also told Today that the new Scottish Parliament is supportive of independence and he needed "to find a means of ensuring that the democratic wishes of the people of Scotland take effect."

From BBC • May 19, 2026

A Scottish government spokesperson said it had been working with Cosla and the teaching unions to implement Schools Action Plan.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

He described the DRS scheme's impact as "complicated", highlighting the issues faced by the Scottish government in recent years.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

"Scott jumped the queue and went in third," said Chris Gray, the big Scottish lock.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

It would be like saying a Scottish terrier and a greyhound were littermates.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng