variants
also ceili
as in sing
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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
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 and a late-night jam session.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2026
-
La Rueda de Candombe began as a casual jam session between friends, but has rapidly evolved into one of Uruguay’s most talked-about musical events, going from local street corners in the capital to the Cannes Film Festival.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the same way that SXSW emerged in the late ’80s to help solidify an infrastructure to support independent musicians, and a larger music festival ecosystem followed, Jupiter Festival Miami aims to pave the way for creators to be taken seriously as the next wave of cultural curators.—
Caitlin White,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Established in 2010 by Marissa Amoni, Jenn Byrne, Lisa Gloria and Nate Miller, the festival focuses on showcasing only local artists living within 30 miles of Aurora, the release said.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Many of the major players during the formative years of psychedelia and jam-rock during the 1960s and ‘70s had bluegrass somewhere in their foundation — Grateful Dead, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Moby Grape.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Jam cakes are a popular vintage recipe from all over the South, but the type of jam is usually dependent on what's fresh in the area.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
30 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
-
Although Burning Ambition tells Iron Maiden’s story, moments like Bardem’s recital demonstrate why the band has its diehard fanbase.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Khloé gave her daughter her flowers at True's dance recital in 2024.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ceilidh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceilidh. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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