gypsy

especially British, Gip·sy

[jip-see]

noun

plural

gypsies 

1. (initial capital letter),  Roma.

2. (initial capital letter),  (not in technical use) the Indic language of the Roma; Romani.

3. 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.

4. Informal.,  gypsy cab.

5. Informal.,  an independent, usually nonunion trucker, hauler, operator, etc.

6. Slang.,  a chorus dancer, especially in the Broadway theater.

7. (in horse racing) gyp.

adjective

1. (initial capital letter),  of or relating to the Roma; Romani.

2. Informal.,  working independently or without a license.

   gypsy truckers.

Gypsy

/ ˈdʒɪpsɪ /

noun

1. 1. 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

   2. ( as modifier )

      a Gypsy fortune-teller

2. the language of the Gypsies; Romany

3. a person who looks or behaves like a Gypsy

Sensitive Note

The Roma have commonly been called Gypsies . However, Gypsy is a word that has also been used as a disparaging slur for this ethnic group, and many Romani people find it offensive. The collective members of this tribe are best referred to with the plural noun Roma . To refer to an individual, Rom and Romani are the preferred singular forms.

Other Word Forms

• Gypsyish adjective
• Gypsyhood noun
• Gypsydom noun
• Gypsy-like adjective
• gypsydom noun
• gypsyesque adjective
• gypsyish adjective
• gypsylike adjective
• gypseian adjective
• gypsyhood noun
• gypsyism noun
• non-Gypsy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gypsy¹

First recorded in 1505–15; back formation of gipcyan, variant of Egyptian (showing a loss of the unstressed initial syllable), from the mistaken belief that Gypsies came originally from Egypt

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gypsy¹

C16: from _Egyptian , since they were thought to have come originally from Egypt

Example Sentences

"The 'Gypsy King' will be back," Alalshikh said in a post on X.

From BBC

In Pennsylvania, Christie recorded and released a single, “The Gypsy Cried,” that became a local hit in the Pittsburgh area.

From Los Angeles Times

The 'Gypsy King' announced his retirement in January after losing his rematch against Usyk a month earlier.

From BBC

In a May 26 interview with the New Yorker, LuPone ignited a firestorm when she referred to McDonald as “not a friend” and refused to comment on McDonald’s celebrated performance in “Gypsy.”

From Los Angeles Times

Efforts to "assimilate" travellers into Scottish society were first documented in the late 1800s, with the authorities wanting to force Gypsies into "normal" housing.

From BBC

Related Words

• Rom 
• Roma 
• Romanichal www.thesaurus.com
• tzigane 
• zingara 
• zingaro