gypsy

The word “gypsy” means a member of the Romani people, a traditionally travelling ethnic group. In plain terms, traditionally referring to the Romani people; also used loosely (and often considered insensitive) to describe a wandering lifestyle.

“Gypsy” is pronounced JIHP-see (/ˈd͡ʒɪp.si/ in IPA).

Here is “gypsy” used in a sentence: “The festival featured traditional Romani, or gypsy, music and dance.”

Depending on how it is used, “gypsy” can be a noun and an adjective.

“Gypsy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

“Gypsy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a member of the Romani people, a traditionally travelling ethnic group.

The word gypsy can be considered offensive or outdated by many Romani people, since it originated as an outsider's label rather than a name the group chose for itself. "Roma" or "Romani" are generally preferred, more respectful terms when referring to the ethnic group.

Gypsy is a traditional, often informal or outdated term for the Romani people, a traditionally travelling ethnic group, while Roma (or Romani) is the name the group uses for itself and is considered the more accurate and respectful term. Many style guides now recommend Roma or Romani over gypsy.

Used as an adjective, gypsy describes a free-spirited, wandering lifestyle in a loose, figurative sense, such as a "gypsy life" full of travel and few fixed commitments. This figurative use is separate from, and should not be confused with, the word's reference to the Romani ethnic group.