What does "gelt" mean?
A lunatic.
Gelt
/ɡɛlt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A lunatic.
- Grammar: gelt is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: blunt, boodle, boodle, borrowed term.
- Useful contrasts: debt, native term, poverty.
- Usage evidence: Hanukkah gelt is pocket money that it is customary to give to children on Hanukkah.
How to use "gelt"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "gelt" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "gelt" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "gelt" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "gelt" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "gelt" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "blunt" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "gelt", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A lunatic. rare
"She […] like a ghastly Gelt whose wits are reaved, / Ran forth in hast with hideous outcry […]"
- 2 Gilding; gilt. obsolete
- 3 A gelding.
"spay'd Gelts"
- 4 Money. uncountable, usually
"That nothynge had / There of theyr awne / Neyther gelt nor pawne."
- 5 informal terms for money wordnet
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 Tribute; tax. uncountable, usually
"All these the king granted unto them […] free from all gelts [guilds] and payments, in a most full and ample manner."
- 7 Money, especially that given as a gift on Hanukkah or used in games of dreidel. Judaism, uncountable, usually
- 8 Chocolate candy in the shape of coins, usually wrapped in metallic foil, usually eaten on Hanukkah and often used for games of dreidel. Judaism, uncountable, usually
Verb
- 1 simple past and past participle of geld form-of, participle, past
Example
"Hanukkah gelt is pocket money that it is customary to give to children on Hanukkah."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "gelt"?
Common synonyms include: blunt, boodle, boodle, borrowed term, brass, bread.
How do you use "gelt" in a sentence?
Hanukkah gelt is pocket money that it is customary to give to children on Hanukkah.
How do you pronounce "gelt"?
Pronounced /ɡɛlt/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Irish geilt.
Etymology 2
Variation of gilt.
Etymology 3
See geld.
Etymology 4
In the basic sense of "money", attested since the early 16th century, initially from (an Early New High German continuation of) Middle High German gelt (modern German Geld), from Old High German gelt (“payment, money”), or in some cases from (an Early Modern Dutch continuation of) Middle Dutch gelt. Later, and in the Jewish-related senses, from Yiddish געלט (gelt). The German, Dutch and Yiddish words are all from Proto-Germanic *geldą (“reward, gift, money”). Doublet of native words geld and yield.