galling

adjective

gall·​ing ˈgȯ-liŋ How to pronounce galling (audio)
: markedly irritating : vexing
a most galling defeat
gallingly adverb

Examples of galling in a Sentence

This is a galling defeat. her holier-than-thou attitude is galling
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.
The answer is galling: Vlachodimos’ cost in the club’s books came to £22.8m. That puts him 12th on the list of Newcastle’s most expensive signings. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025 Perhaps most galling is the 17 percent tax rate levied on Israeli goods. The Editors, National Review, 3 Apr. 2025 Against Brooklyn, the late-game offence was especially galling. Eric Koreen, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 These divisions are all the more galling for Democrats because Trump has careened into turbulent waters after less than two months in office. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for galling

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of gall entry 2

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of galling was in 1583

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Galling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galling. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

galling

adjective
gall·​ing ˈgȯ-liŋ How to pronounce galling (audio)
: very irritating : vexing

More from Merriam-Webster on galling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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