Irish

noun

ˈī-rish 

1

plural in construction : natives or inhabitants of Ireland or their descendants especially when of Celtic speech or culture

2

a

: the Celtic language of Ireland especially as used since the later medieval period

b

: English spoken by the Irish

3

: irish whiskey

Irish adjective

Examples of Irish in a Sentence

How many Irish are there in England?

Recent Examples on the Web

Cillian Murphy has been named Best Lead Actor in the film category of the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs) for the second year running. —Caroline Frost, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025

The Irish Film & Television Academy Awards took place in Dublin on Friday (February 14), celebrating the year in Irish film and television. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025

Along with Winnie and Nessie, Jason and Kylie also share another Irish Wolfhound named Baloo, who was born in 2018. —Athena Sobhan, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025

Though the Irish lost quarterback Riley Leonard, two-time All-American safety Xavier Watts, defensive tackles Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills and linebacker Jack Kiser, Notre Dame will return the bulk of its offensive line, linebacking corps, secondary and running back room. —Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English *Īrisc, from Īras Irishmen, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish Ériu Ireland

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Irish

• anti-Irish
• Irish bull
• Irish coffee
• Irish confetti
• Irish Gaelic
• Irish mail
• Irish moss
• Irish potato
• Irish setter
• Irish stew
• Irish terrier
• Irish water spaniel
• Irish whiskey
• Irish wolfhound
• Middle Irish
• Old Irish
• Scotch-Irish
• Scots-Irish

Kids Definition

Irish

noun

ˈī(ə)r-ish 

1

Irish plural : the people of Ireland

2

: the Celtic language of Ireland

Irish adjective