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Definition of galling

galling

/ˈɡɔː.lɪŋ/
gal · ling
Adverb:gallingly
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galling Lexical Profile

galling Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing intense annoyance, humiliation, or bitter resentment.

Example

"It was deeply galling to see her colleague take credit for the research she had spent months conducting."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A form of surface wear and damage caused by adhesion and friction between two sliding metal surfaces.

Example

"Engineers applied a specialized lubricant to the stainless steel bolts to prevent galling during installation."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for galling

• Nearby Words

galley
gallic
gallimimus
galling
gallinule
gallito
gallivant

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the verb 'gall' (meaning to rub sore or irritate), which traces back to Old English 'gealla' (sore on a horse, or bile) and Old French 'galer' (to rub or scratch).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Galling. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/galling
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