HeyRuaHow to say “ball” in Irish
- Irish:
- bál
- English:
- ball
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “bawl” /bˠɑːlˠ/
- Plural:
- báil (balls)
- Genitive singular:
- báil, an bháil (e.g. oíche an bháil, the night of the ball)
- Genitive plural:
- bál, na mbál (e.g. séasúr na mbál, the season of balls)
What does “bál” mean?
- ball
- A large formal social event where people dance, often in evening dress.Also: formal dance, dance, gala.
Other Irish words for ball: liathróid (ball), caid (football)
“Bál” with the article
The plural of ball in Irish is báil. Here is bál after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bál” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bál, the Irish word for ball.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ball in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ball?
The Irish for ball is bál (pronounced “bawl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is báil.
How do you pronounce bál in Irish?
Bál is said like “bawl” (IPA /bˠɑːlˠ/).
What is the plural of ball in Irish?
The plural of bál is báil; with the article, na báil means “the balls”. The genitive plural is bál, as in séasúr na mbál (the season of balls).
Why does bál change to bhál or mbál?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bál becomes mo bhál (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbál (eclipsis).
Is 'bál' the word for a ball you kick?
No, 'bál' is only a formal dance. A ball for playing is 'liathróid', and 'ball' in Irish means a limb, member or spot.
