galling

adjective

gall·​ing ˈgȯ-liŋ How to pronounce galling (audio)
Synonyms of gallingnext
: markedly irritating : vexing
a most galling defeat
gallingly adverb

Examples of galling in a Sentence

This is a galling defeat. her holier-than-thou attitude is galling
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Johnson’s situation is both galling and typical—very 2025. E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 10 Dec. 2025 Regardless of what happens on Sunday and as galling as such a late defeat would be, what is striking about this version of Norris is his gratitude. Luke Smith, New York Times, 3 Dec. 2025 The case of the Renteria family was particularly galling for those trying to uphold Loving County’s residency requirements. Mitch Moxley, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025 What’s particularly galling is that many who reap Wall Street trading largesse are quick to point the finger at others over unethical behavior. Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for galling

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of gall entry 2

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of galling was in 1583

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Galling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galling. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

galling

adjective
gall·​ing ˈgȯ-liŋ How to pronounce galling (audio)
: very irritating : vexing

More from Merriam-Webster on galling

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