Celtic

American  

[kel-tik, sel-] / ˈkɛl tɪk, ˈsɛl- /

Also Keltic

noun

1. a branch of the Indo-European family of languages, including especially Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, and Breton, which survive now in Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, Wales, and Brittany. Celt, Celt.

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adjective

1. of the Celts or their languages.

Celtic British  

/ ˈsɛl-, ˈsɛl-, ˈkɛltɪk, ˈkɛltɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. a branch of the Indo-European family of languages that includes Gaelic, Welsh, and Breton, still spoken in parts of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Brittany. Modern Celtic is divided into the Brythonic (southern) and Goidelic (northern) groups

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the Celts or the Celtic languages

Other Word Forms

• Celtically adverb
• Celticism noun
• Celticist noun
• non-Celtic adjective
• pre-Celtic adjective

Etymology

Origin of Celtic

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin Celticus, equivalent to Celt(ae) “the Celts” + -icus adjective suffix; Celt, -ic ( def. 1 )

Compare meaning

How does celtic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Gaelic vs. Celtic

Example Sentences

Celtic's Anthony Ralston got a few minutes late on against Japan, but is fourth choice when everyone in his position is fit at Parkhead.

From BBC

"I was stuck and trapped, but I was like, 'Who would I want to be right now?'" she explains of the character she summoned from her Celtic heritage.

From BBC

Martin O'Neill, at 74 but still as sharp and competitive as ever, is currently in his second spell of this season at former club Celtic, who he also managed from 2000-2005.

From BBC

Port Talbot will become the first dedicated hub for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.

From BBC

The Pistons, who currently have a 3.5-game lead over the Boston Celtics atop the Eastern Conference standings, wrap up their season April 12 against the Indiana Pacers.

From Los Angeles Times