ENGLISH
REFERENCE

galway

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɡɑɫweɪ// gal·way

n. a type of strong, heavy coat that sailors used to wear. It is usually made of thick wool to keep out the cold and wet weather at sea.

n. a heavy overcoat made of coarse woollen cloth, historically worn by seamen. Often associated with 19th-century maritime attire and designed for durability in harsh environments.


SIMPLE

The old sailor wore a thick galway to stay warm.

CONTEXTUAL

The museum display featured a traditional galway, showing the heavy stitching required for nautical work.

COMPLEX

While modern synthetic fabrics have largely replaced traditional woollen garments, the galway remains a significant historical example of functional maritime outerwear designed for the North Atlantic.

Usage

Primarily found in historical or nautical contexts; rarely used in modern general English.

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