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Gilbertian

American

[gil-bur-tee-uhn] / gɪlˈbɜr ti ən /

adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of the style or humor of Sir William S. Gilbert.

Gilbertian British

/ ɡɪlˈbɜːtɪən /

adjective

characteristic of or resembling the style or whimsical humour of W. S. Gilbert

"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

Etymology

Origin of Gilbertian

First recorded in 1875–80; Gilbert + -ian

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.

Evelyn Sharp’s libretto crackles with snappy wordplay, Gilbertian patter and Broadway-worthy couplets.

From New York Times • Jan. 15, 2012

John Reed, doyen of the D'Oyly Carte and leading Gilbertian, delights in an off-Broadway stint as Major General Stanley.

From Time Magazine Archive

Through him, the light-opera chorus ceased to be a mere massed accompaniment to the soloists, became vociferous participants in the speedy, highly involved counterpoint of Gilbertian song.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Lief lyrics, though not Gilbertian, were cheerful; the music of Maurice Yvain was pleasantly plentiful.

From Time Magazine Archive

When Jean Louise felt apprehensive, expectant, or on edge, especially when confronting her aunt, her brain clicked to the meter of Gilbertian tomfoolery.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee

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