DictionaryAI

Scottish

USSKAH-tish/ˈskɑ.tɪʃ/UKSKOT-ish/ˈskɒt.ɪʃ/

4 meanings of Scottish

Practice

  1. 1
    from Scotlandadjective
    Of or relating to Scotland, its people, culture, or history; born in Scotland or of Scottish descent.

    The museum displays Scottish art from the medieval period.

    She wore a kilt made from heavy Scottish wool.

    UsageFor people and things from Scotland, say Scottish or Scots; Scotch is dated here and lives on mainly in Scotch whisky.

  2. 2
    the peoplenouncollectivepluralwith the
    The inhabitants of Scotland, considered together as a single people.

    Throughout the wars, the Scottish defended their borders fiercely.

    The Scottish have given the world many inventors and engineers.

    UsageSaid as the Scottish are. For one person, say a Scot or a Scottish man or woman (not incorrect: a Scottish).

    SimilarScots

  3. 3
    English dialectproper noun
    The forms of English used by speakers throughout Scotland.

    UsageBecause the bare word can also mean Gaelic, writers usually say Scottish English in full when it matters.

    Note

    Used on its own as a name, the word points to the English of Scotland, with its own sounds and words, rather than to a separate language. The same bare word can also mean Scottish Gaelic, which is an entirely different language.

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    Gaelicproper nounrareabbreviation
    Short for Scottish Gaelic.

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English Scottisch, from Old English Sċyttisċ, formed from Scot plus the suffix -ish. It is a doublet of Scotch and Scots; compare Dutch Schots and German schottisch.

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 4 facts