# Gilles

/ˈʒiɫ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gilles
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a traditional character in Belgian carnivals who wears a bright costume, a wax mask, and a hat made of ostrich feathers. They are famous for dancing through the streets and throwing oranges to the crowd.

For teachers: a traditional folk character central to the Carnival of Binche in Belgium, recognised by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage. The role is exclusively male and involves specific ritual attire, including a wax mask, wooden clogs, and a large ostrich-feather headdress.

## Examples

- The Gilles dance through the streets during the carnival.
- During the Carnival of Binche, hundreds of Gilles gather at dawn to begin their traditional dance through the town square.
- The intricate costume of the Gilles, featuring heraldic lions and heavy bells, serves as a powerful symbol of local identity and historical continuity within the Walloon region of Belgium.

## Usage notes

- Often capitalised as it refers to a specific cultural figure; the plural form is identical to the singular or takes an 's'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.