Scots

1 of 2

adjective

ˈskäts How to pronounce Scots (audio)
: scottish
—used especially of the people and language and in legal context

Scots

2 of 2

noun

: the English language of Scotland

Examples of Scots in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The Scots, featuring All-American senior wide receiver Wesley Winn, have won two of the past three meetings against King’s Academy, sandwiching a 13-0 loss around a 55-54 overtime win in 2023 and a 28-24 victory last season. — Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026 The combination of the World Cup, Sail Boston, and Boston 250 events saw an economic boom fueled by liquor sales, tall ships, and Scots covering statues with road cones. — Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 After studying at Eton and serving in the Scots Guards, Robert was hired by the royal family and soon rose through the ranks. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026 It is best known for its association with Mary, Queen of Scots, who stayed at the castle while ill. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for Scots

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English Scottis, alteration of Scottish

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Scots was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing Scots

Rhymes for Scots

See All Rhymes for Scots

Browse Nearby Words

scotopic
Scots
Scots broom
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scots.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Scots. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Scots

2 of 2 noun
: the English language of Scotland

More from Merriam-Webster on Scots

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Scots

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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