Gilbertian

adjective

Gil·​ber·​ti·​an (ˈ)gil¦bərtēən How to pronounce Gilbertian (audio)
: of, relating to, or suggesting the playwright Gilbert or the comic, wildly improbable, or topsy-turvy situations found in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas
a Gilbertian world, peopled with foundlings and changelingsT. C. Worsley
by various Gilbertian maneuvers … secured for himself the key positionsK. N. Cameron

Word History

Etymology

William S. Gilbert †1911 English playwright + English -ian

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gilbertian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gilbertian. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!