Bass in Irish (Dord): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for bass?

The Irish for bass is dord (pronounced “dord”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is doird. Depending on context it can also mean drone.

Q: What is the plural of bass in Irish?

The plural of dord is doird; with the article, na doird means “the basses”. The genitive plural is dord, as in seinnteoirí na ndord (the players of the basses).

Q: Does dord have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dord can mean bass or drone, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “bass” in Irish

Irish:: dord
English:: bass, drone
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “dord” /d̪ˠoːɾˠd̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: doird (basses)
Genitive singular:: doird, an doird (e.g. fuaim an doird, the sound of the bass)
Genitive plural:: dord, na ndord (e.g. seinnteoirí na ndord, the players of the basses)

What does “dord” mean?

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

bass: The lowest part or voice in music, or a low deep sound.Also: bass part, bass voice, low note.

1 other meaning: drone

2drone: A low continuous humming or buzzing sound, such as that of bees or bagpipes; also the verbal noun of the verb 'dord', to hum or drone.Also: hum, buzz, humming, droning.

“Dord” with the article

The plural of bass in Irish is doird. Here is dord after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an dord

the bass

No change after an

na doird

the basses

Plural: no change after na

“Dord” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using dord, the Irish word for bass.

Canann sé an dord sa chór.

He sings bass in the choir.

Bhí dord na mbeach le cloisteáil sa ghairdín.

The drone of the bees could be heard in the garden.

Seinneann mo dheartháir an dord i mbanna ceoil.

My brother plays bass in a band.

Tá guth an doird an-domhain.

The bass voice is very deep.

Bhí dord íseal ón inneall ar feadh na hoíche.

There was a low drone from the engine all night.

Tá ceithre dhord sa chór seo.

There are four basses in this choir.

Chuala mé dord na bpíob i bhfad uaim.

I heard the drone of the pipes far away.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Bass in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for bass?

The Irish for bass is dord (pronounced “dord”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is doird. Depending on context it can also mean drone.

How do you pronounce dord in Irish?

Dord is said like “dord” (IPA /d̪ˠoːɾˠd̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of bass in Irish?

The plural of dord is doird; with the article, na doird means “the basses”. The genitive plural is dord, as in seinnteoirí na ndord (the players of the basses).

Does dord have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dord can mean bass or drone, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does dord change to dhord or ndord?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dord becomes mo dhord (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndord (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'dord' and 'dordán'?

'Dord' is the musical bass or a deep drone, while 'dordán' is specifically a humming or buzzing sound, as of insects.

Bass in Irish (Dord): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage