Ayrshire

American

[air-sheer, -sher] / ˈɛər ʃɪər, -ʃər /

noun

one of a Scottish breed of hardy dairy cattle having long, curving horns.
Also called Ayr. a historic county in SW Scotland.

Ayrshire British

/ ˈɛəʃɪə, -ʃə /

noun

a historical county of SW Scotland, formerly part of Strathclyde region (1975–96), now divided into the council areas of North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, and East Ayrshire
any one of a hardy breed of brown-and-white dairy cattle

"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

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.

Among them is Law Castle in West Kilbride, Ayrshire, a restored medieval tower house built as a wedding gift for the daughter of King James II of Scotland available for offers over £1m.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Drinks giant Suntory Global Spirits has scrapped plans to build a controversial £150m whisky maturation facility in East Ayrshire.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said it was committed to supporting participation in aquatic sport and said the change would introduce 700 additional Learn 2 Swim places.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

The flying visit to the Ayrshire town only lasted about 90 minutes and saw the singer pose for pictures with adoring fans.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

She was the wife of an Ayrshire peasant, Andrew Jack.

From Witch, Warlock, and Magician Historical Sketches of Magic and Witchcraft in England and Scotland by Adams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport)

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