ceilidh

variants also ceili
Definition of ceilidhnext
Scottish & Irish

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ceilidh This evolved into a new wave of ceilidh pride — from rural Scots to the diaspora in New York and Melbourne — with TikTok users reimagining traditional dance culture through a modern electronic lens. Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025 Apparently the best and prettiest dancer gets chosen, but the only thing Ellen really cares about is that Brian also makes his way into the ceilidh and winds up her temporary partner during the group dance. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 29 Aug. 2025 Dancing The Irish Network hosts its annual ceili (dance) from 4 to 7pm Sunday at the Hyatt Centric French Quarter. Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025 The Scotland episode sandwiches the synagogue moment with Levy standing in an ornate castle doing Sean Connery impressions, visiting a tailor to custom-make a kilt, and at a ceilidh, dancing in a kilt and making jokes about the ventilation. Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Aug. 2024 Make sure to grab a wee dram at The Malt Room, Inverness’ first whisky bar, followed by Hootananny, a ceilidh cafe for live traditional Scottish folk music (even Mumford and Sons have played here). Marisel Salazar, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Dec. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceilidh
Noun
  • The two bond over music during a late-night jam session, and Rick later learns that Danny has turned one of Rick's songs into a hit that reignites his career.
    Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
  • The book does often feel like a recording of a mental jam session, but there is also a sense of being guided by a kind of hesitating yet urgent voice that needs to get things figured out.
    Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • While the film’s presence at the festival has sparked some controversy, Tribeca co-founder Jane Rosenthal defended the move to Variety, claiming the film should be looked at within the context of the ongoing Iran war.
    Corbin Bolies, Variety, 3 June 2026
  • On the feature side, the festival includes three competitions for narrative, documentary, and international films, with other sections devoted to cutting-edge cinema in Viewpoints and a substantial short film program.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • The senior escaped several jams to toss a five-hitter with 12 strikeouts to lead JSerra past La Mirada 3-2 for its first section title.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • Pizza is already savory, so balance out all that salt with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or spoonfuls of fig jam.
    Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • As with other global cultural events, such as the Venice Biennale currently underway in Italy, the glittery annual songfest is intended as a display of goodwill and togetherness between nations.
    Chloe Veltman, NPR, 16 May 2026
  • The church annually has a songfest following Dec. 25, which actually begins the Christmas season, but this one will honor the Rev. Wally Hyclak, who is retiring Jan. 1.
    cleveland, cleveland, 13 Dec. 2019
Noun
  • His other, more conservative but still expressive sets for RCA comprised a joint project with Coleman Hawkins, a recital of familiar bop tunes and a collection of standards.
    Chris Morris, Variety, 26 May 2026
  • Oliver's birthday just passed and Emilia just had her first ballet recital; Adeline's birthday is soon, and Owen graduates from high school in a couple of weeks.
    Tara Copp The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ceilidh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceilidh. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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