claddagh

[ klah-duh ]

noun

1. a ring in the form of two hands clasping a crowned heart, given in friendship or love.

Word History and Origins

Origin of claddagh¹

First recorded in 1880–85; named after Claddagh, a fishing village near Galway, Ireland, where the ring was supposedly first designed and made

Example Sentences

A twist of fate would instead see him return home 14 years later, with the smithing skills to craft one of Ireland’s most enduring symbols of love, loyalty, and friendship: the Claddagh ring.

From National Geographic

Named after the small fishing village opposite Galway city, the Claddagh ring depicts two hands clasping a crowned heart.

From National Geographic

The Claddagh ring persists today as both an icon of affection and Irish ancestry.

From National Geographic

Joyce refused and returned to Galway to work as a goldsmith, where he is said to have created the first Claddagh ring.

From National Geographic

Walk around Galway’s crowded quay and you’ll overhear a dozen different stories of the Claddagh ring’s origin.

From National Geographic