Gallicism

noun

Gal·li·cism ˈga-lə-ˌsi-zəm

variants or gallicism

1

: a characteristic French idiom or expression appearing in another language

2

: a French trait

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French gallicisme, from Latin Gallicus gallic + French -isme -ism

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of Gallicism was circa 1656

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Browse Nearby Words

Gallice

Gallicism

gallicize

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Gallicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gallicism. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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