ceilidh

[ key-lee ]

noun

, Irish, Scot., and Canadian (chiefly Prince Edward Island).

1. a party, gathering, or the like, at which dancing, singing, and storytelling are the usual forms of entertainment.

ceilidh

/ ˈkeɪlɪ /

noun

1. (esp in Scotland and Ireland) an informal social gathering with folk music, singing, dancing, and storytelling

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceilidh¹

From Irish céilidhe, Scots Gaelic cèilidh, Middle Irish célide, derivative of Old Irish céile “companion”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceilidh¹

C19: from Gaelic

Example Sentences

Calum first learned about traditional music in his school ceilidh band.

From BBC

There was also a firework display as Edinburgh marked its 30th year of the celebrations, while there was a mass ceilidh staged in Inverness.

From BBC

Further north, expected dry weather will also provide perfect conditions for Inverness's Red Hot Highland Fling - an event organisers are calling "one of the biggest ceilidhs on the planet".

From BBC

The three-day event kicks off with a traditional ceilidh at Kelvin Hall, with the dance programme designed by the Hawaii branch.

From BBC

She intends to "bring some good banter, camaraderie and vibes" to the team room as well as suggesting some traditional Scottish ceilidh music for the Spotify list.

From BBC