galling

1 of 2

adjective

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

galling

2 of 2

present participle of gall entry 2

Synonyms of galling

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Adjective

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Examples of galling in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
There were surrendered leads against Chelsea in the 2008-09 FA Cup final and, perhaps more galling, against a weaker-than-usual Liverpool side in a 2011-12 FA Cup semi-final. — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 What was particularly galling, according to sources at the meeting, was the plan for the building’s union employees. — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026 More galling to Bonta is that what was discussed at that meeting slipped out into the public sphere. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026 Also in Scorsese’s film, Cady’s crimes are so galling that Sam, Cady’s defense lawyer, breaks his own oath to his client and hides evidence that might have helped get Cady off (a change from MacDonald’s novel). — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for galling

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of gall entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

1583, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of galling was in 1583

Rhymes for galling

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Browse Nearby Words

galliney
galling
gallinipper
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

galling

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