HeyRuaHow to say “ball of thread” in Irish
- Irish:
- ceirtlín
- English:
- ball of thread, ball-shaped mass, sturdy person
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KERT-leen” /ˈcɛɾˠtʲlʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- ceirtlíní (balls of thread)
- Genitive singular:
- ceirtlín, an cheirtlín (e.g. ceann an cheirtlín, the end of the ball of thread)
- Genitive plural:
- ceirtlíní, na gceirtlíní (e.g. ceann na gceirtlíní, the end of the balls of thread)
What does “ceirtlín” mean?
“Ceirtlín” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ball of thread
- A ball of thread, yarn or string wound into a round shape.Also: ball of wool, clew, ball of yarn, ball of string.
2 other meanings: ball-shaped mass or sturdy person
- 2ball-shaped mass
- Anything roughly round like a ball, such as a lump or tight bundle.Also: ball, lump, bundle, round mass.
- 3sturdy person
- A stocky, well-built, compact person.Also: stocky person, well-built person.
“Ceirtlín” with the article
The plural of ball of thread in Irish is ceirtlíní. Here is ceirtlín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ceirtlín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ceirtlín, the Irish word for ball of thread.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ball of thread in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ball of thread?
The Irish for ball of thread is ceirtlín (pronounced “KERT-leen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ceirtlíní. Depending on context it can also mean ball-shaped mass or sturdy person.
How do you pronounce ceirtlín in Irish?
Ceirtlín is said like “KERT-leen” (IPA /ˈcɛɾˠtʲlʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of ball of thread in Irish?
The plural of ceirtlín is ceirtlíní; with the article, na ceirtlíní means “the balls of thread”. The genitive plural is ceirtlíní, as in ceann na gceirtlíní (the end of the balls of thread).
Does ceirtlín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ceirtlín can mean ball of thread, ball-shaped mass or sturdy person, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ceirtlín change to cheirtlín or gceirtlín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ceirtlín becomes mo cheirtlín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gceirtlín (eclipsis).
What does 'tochrais ar do cheirtlín féin' mean?
Literally 'wind on your own ball of thread', it means to look after your own interests or have an axe to grind.
Is 'ceirtlín' the same as 'liathróid'?
No: 'liathróid' is a ball used in games, while 'ceirtlín' is a ball of wound thread or yarn, or a ball-like lump.
