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.
But what is most galling about this situation is the media’s new blame-deflection game, with only a few exceptions. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025 In crypto, money is fast, loose, and digitally native—properties that have made his personal dealings in the industry even more galling, and potentially more vulnerable to outside sway. Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025 In the most galling but predictable sense, that same scoreline would be repeated, only in Newcastle’s favour. Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024 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 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 31 May. 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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