Scottish

1 of 3

adjective

Scot·​tish ˈskä-tish How to pronounce Scottish (audio)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Scotland, Scots, or the Scots
Scottishness
ˈskä-tish-nəs How to pronounce Scottish (audio)
noun

Scottish

2 of 3

noun (1)

: scots

Scottishness

3 of 3

noun (2)

Scot·​tish·​ness
plural -es
: scotchness

Examples of Scottish in a Sentence

Adjective He spoke with a Scottish accent. Robert Burns was a great Scottish poet.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
The second episode will examine her interventions on Scottish independence, feminism, free speech, and gender identity, which place her at the heart of increasingly bitter online exchanges. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026 Silent Hill has been on a steady run, highlighted by the Scottish spinoff Townfall this year, and the iconic Hellraiser just got its first proper video game adaptation. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
Housed in what was once The Royal Scottish Automobile Club, the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel is undoubtedly the city’s grandest option. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Anemones and Large Head Roses Garance Doré opted for simple seasonal flowers when planning her January wedding in the Scottish Highlands. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Scottish

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Scottes Scotsmen

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1759, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Scottish was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing Scottish

Browse Nearby Words

scotting
Scottish
Scottish asphodel
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scottish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Scottish. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Scottish

1 of 2 adjective
Scot·​tish ˈskät-ish How to pronounce Scottish (audio)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Scotland, the people of Scotland, or the Scots language

Scottish

2 of 2 noun
: scots entry 2
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