argyll
|ar-gyll|
🇺🇸
/ˈɑrɡɪl/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːɡɪl/
coast / borderland of the Gaels
Etymology
'argyll' originates from Scottish Gaelic, specifically the word 'Earra-Ghàidheal' (Old Irish 'Airer Goídel'), where 'earr(a)' meant 'coast' or 'border' and 'Ghàidheal' meant 'Gaels'.
'argyll' changed from Scottish Gaelic 'Earra-Ghàidheal' (and the Old Irish form 'Airer Goídel') into Middle English forms such as 'Argyl'/'Argyle', and eventually became the modern English 'Argyll'.
Initially, it meant 'coast' or 'borderland of the Gaels', but over time it evolved into the current meaning referring to the name of the western Scottish region and related administrative units.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a historic region and geographical area in western Scotland, covering mainland territory and many islands; formerly a county and now represented in modern administrative units (e.g., Argyll and Bute).
Argyll is famous for its rugged coastline, lochs and islands.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a title associated with the peerage of Scotland (for example, the Duke of Argyll).
The Duke of Argyll attended the ceremony.
Last updated: 2025/10/12 07:00