Scottish

1 of 3

adjective

Scot·​tish ˈskä-tish 

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

Scottishness

ˈskä-tish-nəs 

noun

Scottish

2 of 3

noun (1)

: scots

Scottishness

3 of 3

noun (2)

Scot·​tish·​ness

plural -es

: scotchness

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 neighborhood The hotel's historical ties to Waverley Station—a hub for those coming and going from Edinburgh—make this hotel a vital part of Princes Street, the high street of the Scottish capital. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

The identity of the consignor of Princess Diana’s dress has not been revealed, but it’s understood to be a Scottish businessman. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Noun

Guest in Residence Tartan Wool & Cashmere Miniskirt Tartan prints can be traced back to at least the third century AD, having originated in the Scottish Highlands. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Snyder, who came down with COVID while shooting, once had Sean Penn and Christian Bale attached as stars (Scottish Hugh Jackman doppelgänger Stuart Martin and Irish actor-singer Fra Fee ultimately brought those roles to the screen). — Chris Lee, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Scottes Scotsmen

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1759, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1681, 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