# SCOTS

/ˈskɑts/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. the language

noun · CEFR B2

a language spoken in Scotland that is very similar to English but has its own unique words and sounds.

For teachers: the Germanic language variety spoken in Lowland Scotland and parts of Ulster, descended from Northumbrian Middle English.

- Many famous poems by Robert Burns are written in Scots.
- While some linguists classify Scots as a dialect of English, others argue its distinct literary history and phonology grant it the status of a separate language.

### 2. the people

noun · CEFR B2

the people who come from Scotland.

For teachers: the plural form of Scot, referring to the inhabitants or people of Scottish descent.

- The Scots are known for their proud history and beautiful landscapes.
- Throughout the eighteenth century, many Scots emigrated to North America, establishing vibrant communities that preserved their ancestral traditions.

### 3. relating to Scotland

adjective · CEFR B2

related to Scotland, its people, or its culture.

For teachers: pertaining to Scotland, its inhabitants, or the Scots language; often used interchangeably with 'Scottish'.

- We enjoyed a traditional Scots breakfast during our trip to Edinburgh.
- The museum houses an extensive collection of Scots law documents and historical artifacts from the Jacobite risings.

## Examples

- He wrote several famous poems in Scots.
- While many people in Edinburgh speak English, you will often hear local words and phrases from Scots in daily conversation.
- The poet Robert Burns is celebrated for his ability to blend literary English with the expressive, earthy vocabulary of the Scots tongue, creating a unique national voice.

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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.