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
  • Apollo Records ambient-house longplayer impregnated with weed smoke, working simultaneously from the intractable computer logic of vintage IDM and the loose rules of a jam session.
    Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The movie follows Rick Power (Rudd), a wedding band singer who stumbles into a late-night jam session with former boy band star Danny (Jonas) and reignites his passion for songwriting.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Crowds gathered in downtown San Francisco on Tuesday to celebrate the city's 176th birthday as 415 Day returned with a free festival highlighting local culture, food and music.
    Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The film’s October 2 release date has led to speculation, and anticipation, in many quarters that Venice or another fall festival would be in the cards.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Offerings have since expanded to include homemade jams, dog treats, soaps and, of course, bread.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The Rockies took their second lead on Brett Sullivan’s leadoff double in the 11th before Jeremiah Estrada and Morgan worked out of that jam.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The songfest began with the women introducing themselves by singing out their names.
    Dennis Hohenberger, Courant Community, 29 May 2018
Noun
  • Julia Stiles Actually Cried While Filming One of the film’s most emotional moments — Kat’s poem recital — was captured in just two takes, Stiles told Bustle in January 2025.
    Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Later this year, a new performing arts center will open at Crossroads, and the recital hall will be called The Mary Ann.
    Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ceilidh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceilidh. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

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