ilk

noun

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\ ˈilk

Definition of ilk

(Entry 1 of 3)

: sort, kind politicians and their ilk

ilk

pronoun (1)

Definition of ilk (Entry 2 of 3)

chiefly Scotland

: same —used with that especially in the names of landed families

ilk

pronoun (2)

Definition of ilk (Entry 3 of 3)

chiefly Scotland

: each

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Synonyms Did you know? More Example Sentences Learn More About ilk

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Did you know?

Pronoun (1)

The Old English pronoun ilca is the predecessor of the modern noun ilk, but by way of a pronoun ilk that does not exist in most dialects of modern English. That ilk is synonymous with same, and persists in Scots where it's used in the phrase of that ilk, meaning "of the same place, territorial designation, or name." It is used chiefly in reference to the names of land-owning families and their eponymous estates, as in "the Guthries of that ilk," which means "the Guthries of Guthrie." Centuries ago a misunderstanding arose concerning the Scots phrase: it was interpreted as meaning "of that kind or sort," a usage that found its way into modern English. Ilk has been established in English with its current meaning and part of speech since the late 18th century.

Examples of ilk in a Sentence

Noun The club attracts punk rockers and others of that ilk. we're looking for chestnuts and other items of that ilk for our autumn decorations

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First Known Use of ilk

Noun

1790, in the meaning defined above

Pronoun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Pronoun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ilk

Pronoun (1)

Middle English, from Old English ilca, from *i- that, the same (akin to Goth is he, Latin, he, that) + *lik- form (whence Old English līc body) — more at iterate, like

Pronoun (2)

Middle English, adjective & pronoun, from Old English ylc, ǣlc — more at each

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