HeyRuaHow to say “beehive” in Irish
- Irish:
- coirceog
- English:
- beehive, cone
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KUR-kyohg” /ˈkoɾʲcoːg/
- Plural:
- coirceoga (beehives)
- Genitive singular:
- coirceoige, na coirceoige (e.g. doras na coirceoige, the entrance of the hive)
- Genitive plural:
- coirceog, na gcoirceog (e.g. mil na gcoirceog, the honey of the hives)
What does “coirceog” mean?
“Coirceog” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- beehive
- A dome-shaped hive, traditionally made of straw, in which bees live.Also: hive, skep.
1 other meaning: cone
- 2cone
- A cone-shaped object or heap, such as a cone of turf or an ice-cream cone.Also: conical heap, ice-cream cone.
“Coirceog” with the article
The plural of beehive in Irish is coirceoga. Here is coirceog after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Coirceog” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using coirceog, the Irish word for beehive.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Beehive in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for beehive?
The Irish for beehive is coirceog (pronounced “KUR-kyohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is coirceoga. Depending on context it can also mean cone.
How do you pronounce coirceog in Irish?
Coirceog is said like “KUR-kyohg” (IPA /ˈkoɾʲcoːg/).
What is the plural of beehive in Irish?
The plural of coirceog is coirceoga; with the article, na coirceoga means “the beehives”. The genitive plural is coirceog, as in mil na gcoirceog (the honey of the hives).
Does coirceog have more than one meaning?
Yes. Coirceog can mean beehive or cone, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does coirceog change to choirceog or gcoirceog?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) coirceog becomes mo choirceog (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcoirceog (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'coirceog' and 'cón'?
'Coirceog' is the traditional word for a hive and also for a cone shape, as in 'coirceog reoiteoige', while 'cón' is the more technical word for a cone in geometry or botany.
