gypsy

verb gyp·sy \ˈjip-sē\

gyp·siedgyp·sy·ing

Definition of GYPSY

intransitive verb

: to live or roam like a Gypsy

First Known Use of GYPSY

circa 1627

Rhymes with GYPSY

Gypsy, tipsy

Gypsy

noun Gyp·sy \ˈjip-sē\

: a member of a group of people who originally came from northern India and now live mostly in Asia, Europe, and North America

plural Gypsies

Full Definition of GYPSY

: a member of a traditionally itinerant people who originated in northern India and now live chiefly in south and southwest Asia, Europe, and North America

: romany 2

not capitalized : one that resembles a Gypsy; especially : wanderer

See Gypsy defined for English-language learners

See Gypsy defined for kids

Origin of GYPSY

by shortening & alteration from Egyptian

First Known Use: 1537

Other Anthropology Terms

ectomorph, ethnography, prehistory, yurt

Rhymes with GYPSY

gypsy, tipsy

GYPSY Defined for Kids

Gypsy

noun Gyp·sy \ˈjip-sē\

plural Gyp·sies

Definition of GYPSY for Kids

: a member of a group of people coming from India to Europe long ago and living a wandering way of life

Word History of GYPSY

Gypsies probably first reached England in the later 1400s. An early example of their language, which is called Romany, was written down in 1547. The English thought that these strangers had come from Egypt and gave them the name Egyptian. In time the word was shortened and altered to Gypsy.