Scots

1 of 2

adjective

ˈskäts How to pronounce Scots (audio)
: scottish
—used especially of the people and language and in legal context

Scots

2 of 2

noun

: the English language of Scotland

Examples of Scots in a Sentence

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Noun
These guys were here to cheer on the Scots playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1998. — Andy Clayton, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026 Nobody opens their arms to welcome strangers the way Denver soccer fans do, and the Scots aren’t the only ones who know how to party. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 July 2026 The Scots have turned our cities into giant parties, and the Norwegians have made conga lines in our ballparks. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 The throne of England passed to King James VI, the son of Elizabeth's cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, following her death. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for Scots

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English Scottis, alteration of Scottish

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Scots was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing Scots

Rhymes for Scots

See All Rhymes for Scots

Browse Nearby Words

scotopic
Scots
Scots broom
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scots.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Scots. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Scots

2 of 2 noun
: the English language of Scotland

More from Merriam-Webster on Scots

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Scots

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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