galling

1 of 2

adjective

gall·​ing ˈgȯ-liŋ How to pronounce galling (audio)
Synonyms of gallingnext
: markedly irritating : vexing
a most galling defeat
gallingly
ˈgȯ-liŋ-lē How to pronounce galling (audio)
adverb

galling

2 of 2

present participle of gall entry 2

Synonyms of galling

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Adjective

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Examples of galling in a Sentence

Adjective This is a galling defeat. her holier-than-thou attitude is galling
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
Today, Microsoft rolled out those a la carte Cloud Playtime purchases to Xbox Insiders, with prices that might be a bit galling for players who have already purchased these streamable games. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026 The repetition should feel especially galling since the team already earned its promotion last week, making the climax of this week’s match just getting butts in seats. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026 Among the many glaring issues coming out of the opener, the offense’s inability to sustain drives was particularly galling. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026 But that sympathy can’t quite make up for the galling fact of Nelson’s sons, now teenagers stuck in limbo as a father figure stubbornly insists on courting further ruin. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for galling

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of gall entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

1583, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of galling was in 1583

Rhymes for galling

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Browse Nearby Words

galliney
galling
gallinipper
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Cite this Entry

“Galling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galling. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

galling

adjective
gall·​ing ˈgȯ-liŋ How to pronounce galling (audio)
: very irritating : vexing
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