Scots-Irish

adjective

ˈskäts-ˈī-rish How to pronounce Scots-Irish (audio)
: scotch-irish

Examples of Scots-Irish in a Sentence

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.
Present-day Appalachian grammar is also reflective of Scots-Irish heritage. — Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Jan. 2024 An example found in a letter dating from the 1700s suggests that Scots-Irish immigrants brought their version of y'all to Appalachia and the South. — Bill Chappell, NPR, 16 July 2025 There was land available for smallholders in Georgia and the Carolinas when Scots-Irish refugees fleeing conflict with England sought new homes in the New World. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026 Performances of bluegrass music and traditional Appalachian clog dancing will bring to life the region’s Scots-Irish heritage dating back to the 18th century. — Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026 There have been five great waves of immigration to the United States, and the first two were heavily Irish, starting with the first mass migration, that of Scots-Irish Protestants, many of whom came before the country was founded. — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Scots-Irish was in 1972

Rhymes for Scots-Irish

See All Rhymes for Scots-Irish

Browse Nearby Words

Scots Grey
Scots-Irish
Scotsman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scots-Irish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Scots-Irish. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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