Dictionary
gypsy
verb gyp·sy \ˈjip-sē\
gyp·siedgyp·sy·ing
Definition of GYPSY
intransitive verb
: to live or roam like a Gypsy
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First Known Use of GYPSY
circa 1627
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
1
: 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
2
: romany 2
3
not capitalized : one that resembles a Gypsy; especially : wanderer
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Origin of GYPSY
by shortening & alteration from Egyptian
First Known Use: 1537
Other Anthropology Terms
GYPSYING 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.
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