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Ashes in Irish (Luaithreach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘luaithreach’ also means: dust

The Irish for ashes is luaithreach, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “ashes” in Irish

Irish:
luaithreach
English:
ashes, dust
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“LOO-ih-rukh”  /ˈl̪ˠuəhɾʲəx/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
luaithrigh, an luaithrigh (e.g. Céadaoin an Luaithrigh, Ash Wednesday)

What does “luaithreach” mean?

“Luaithreach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

ashes
The powdery remains left after something has been burned, especially human remains after cremation.Also: ash, cinders, remains.
1 other meaning: dust
2dust
Fine powdery matter or crumbled remains, used figuratively of something reduced to nothing.Also: powder, ruin.

Other Irish words for ashes: luaith (ashes)

“Luaithreach” with the article

Here is luaithreach after the article (an t-alt).

an luaithreach
the ashes
No change after an

“Luaithreach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using luaithreach, the Irish word for ashes.

Ní raibh fágtha den teach ach luaithreach.
Nothing was left of the house but ashes.
Scaip siad an luaithreach ar an gcnoc.
They scattered the ashes on the hill.
Cuirfear luaithreach ar ár n-éadan Dé Céadaoin an Luaithrigh.
Ashes will be put on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday.
Téimid chuig an Aifreann Céadaoin an Luaithrigh.
We go to Mass on Ash Wednesday.
Coinníonn sí luaithreach a fir i bpróca.
She keeps her husband's ashes in an urn.
Rinneadh luaithreach den bhaile le linn an chogaidh.
The town was reduced to ashes during the war.
Bhí boladh luaithrigh fós san aer.
There was still a smell of ashes in the air.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Phrases with “luaithreach”

Ashes in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for ashes?

The Irish for ashes is luaithreach (pronounced “LOO-ih-rukh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean dust.

How do you pronounce luaithreach in Irish?

Luaithreach is said like “LOO-ih-rukh” (IPA /ˈl̪ˠuəhɾʲəx/).

Does luaithreach have a plural?

No plural form is given for luaithreach in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does luaithreach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Luaithreach can mean ashes or dust, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between 'luaithreach' and 'luaith'?

Both mean ashes; 'luaith' is the everyday word for ash from a fire, while 'luaithreach' is often used for the ashes of the dead, of ruins, and in Céadaoin an Luaithrigh.

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