Scottish

1 of 2

adjective

Scot·​tish ˈskä-tish 

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Scotland, Scots, or the Scots

Scottishness

ˈskä-tish-nəs 

noun

Scottish

2 of 2

noun

: scots

Examples of Scottish in a Sentence

Adjective

He spoke with a Scottish accent.

Robert Burns was a great Scottish poet.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The sharpest attacks, however, were leveled against Adam Smith, the Scottish economist who became the perfect straw-man for early American protectionists. — Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025

Its development is usually attributed to Dr. James C. Crow, a Scottish chemist who worked in Kentucky in the 1830s. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

Noun

The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, as William and Kate are called while in Scotland, are visiting the Scottish Isles to focus on community engagement to promote the power of social connection and the importance of championing the natural environment, causes close to their hearts. —Janine Henni, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Given his connection to the land, Cumming travel to the Scottish Highlands digs deeper than the obvious lures of golf and whisky alone. —Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Scottes Scotsmen

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1759, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Scottish

• Scottish deerhound
• Scottish Gaelic
• Scottish rite
• Scottish terrier

Kids Definition

Scottish

1 of 2 adjective

Scot·​tish ˈskät-ish 

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Scotland, the people of Scotland, or the Scots language

Scottish

2 of 2 noun

: scots entry 2