gypsy
(initial capital letter)Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive. Roma1 (def. 1). : See Usage note at the current entry.
(initial capital letter) (not in technical use) the Indic language of the Roma; Romani.
a person held to resemble a Roma, especially in physical characteristics or in a traditionally ascribed freedom or inclination to move from place to place.
Informal. gypsy cab.
Informal. an independent, usually nonunion trucker, hauler, operator, etc.
Slang. a chorus dancer, especially in the Broadway theater.
(in horse racing) gyp1 (def. 4).
(initial capital letter)Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive. of or relating to the Roma; Romani.
Informal. working independently or without a license: gypsy truckers.
Origin of gypsy
1- Also especially British, gipsy, Gip·sy .
usage note For gypsy
Other words from gypsy
- gyp·sy·dom, noun
- gyp·sy·esque, gyp·sy·ish, gyp·sy·like, gyp·se·ian, adjective
- gyp·sy·hood, noun
- gyp·sy·ism, noun
- non-Gyp·sy, noun, plural non-Gyp·sies.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for Gypsy
Gipsy
/ (ˈdʒɪpsɪ) /
a member of a people scattered throughout Europe and North America, who maintain a nomadic way of life in industrialized societies. They migrated from NW India from about the 9th century onwards
(as modifier): a Gypsy fortune-teller
the language of the Gypsies; Romany
a person who looks or behaves like a Gypsy
Origin of Gypsy
1Derived forms of Gypsy
- Gypsydom or Gipsydom, noun
- Gypsyhood or Gipsyhood, noun
- Gypsyish or Gipsyish, adjective
- Gypsy-like or Gipsy-like, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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