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.
Initially, something about Too Much’s insistence on citing rom-coms in its episode titles while so stubbornly resisting romance felt galling to me. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 July 2025 At first idly, then with what appears to be solicitude, and finally with the glee of a cat cornering a mouse before killing it, Gustav pokes into Adi’s professional failures, connecting them to Tekla’s galling success. Jesse Green, New York Times, 19 May 2025 The more negative scenario — military actions by two foreign nations causing economic trouble in the U.S. — would be an especially galling development for Trump. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 14 June 2025 But Curb Your Enthusiasm knows how galling Larry is. Jen Chaney, Vulture, 6 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Galling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galling. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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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