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.
Which brings us to the most galling mystery of the season: How on earth does this preening man-child get engaged? Laura Bradley, Vulture, 9 Aug. 2024 This fiction will be galling to some people, but deeply reassuring to others. Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2024 Adding magic—actual, visible magical spells—to the series is even more galling, as is making Merlin’s home Avalon instead of Ynys Wydryn. Erik Kain, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024 But what’s most galling about the project is the way that state government has sought to exempt itself and the project from the rules that govern building in California. Joe Mathews, The Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near galling

Cite this Entry

“Galling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galling. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

galling

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

More from Merriam-Webster on galling

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