HeyRuaHow to say “altar” in Irish
- Irish:
- altóir
- English:
- altar, funeral offering
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AL-tor” /ˈal̪ˠt̪ˠoːɾʲ/
- Plural:
- altóirí (altars)
- Genitive singular:
- altóra, na haltóra (e.g. céimeanna na haltóra, the altar steps)
- Genitive plural:
- altóirí, na n-altóirí (e.g. maisiú na n-altóirí, the decoration of the altars)
What does “altóir” mean?
“Altóir” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- altar
- A table or raised structure in a church or temple where religious ceremonies such as Mass or sacrifices are performed.Also: church altar, sacrificial altar.
1 other meaning: funeral offering
- 2funeral offering
- An offering of money made at a funeral, traditionally collected at the altar for the priest.Also: offering, funeral collection.
“Altóir” with the article
The plural of altar in Irish is altóirí. Here is altóir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Altóir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using altóir, the Irish word for altar.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Altar in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for altar?
The Irish for altar is altóir (pronounced “AL-tor”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is altóirí. Depending on context it can also mean funeral offering.
How do you pronounce altóir in Irish?
Altóir is said like “AL-tor” (IPA /ˈal̪ˠt̪ˠoːɾʲ/).
What is the plural of altar in Irish?
The plural of altóir is altóirí; with the article, na haltóirí means “the altars”. The genitive plural is altóirí, as in maisiú na n-altóirí (the decoration of the altars).
Does altóir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Altóir can mean altar or funeral offering, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does altóir sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an altóir (the altar), a haltóir (her altar), a n-altóir (their altar), na haltóirí (the altars).
How do you say 'altar boy' in Irish?
An altar boy is 'buachaill altóra', with 'altóir' in the genitive form 'altóra'.
Can 'altóir' mean something other than a physical altar?
Yes, in some areas 'altóir' was also the offering of money made at a funeral, as in 'altóir a thabhairt'.
