Better in Irish (Gealltóir): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for better?

The Irish for better is gealltóir (pronounced “GYAWL-toh-ir”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gealltóirí. Depending on context it can also mean promiser.

Q: What is the plural of better in Irish?

The plural of gealltóir is gealltóirí; with the article, na gealltóirí means “the betters”. The genitive plural is gealltóirí, as in airgead na ngealltóirí (the punters' money).

Q: Does gealltóir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gealltóir can mean better or promiser, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “better” in Irish

Irish:: gealltóir
English:: better, promiser
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “GYAWL-toh-ir” /ˈɟal̪ˠt̪ˠoːɾʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: gealltóirí (betters)
Genitive singular:: gealltóra, an ghealltóra (e.g. airgead an ghealltóra, the punter's money)
Genitive plural:: gealltóirí, na ngealltóirí (e.g. airgead na ngealltóirí, the punters' money)

What does “gealltóir” mean?

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

better: A person who places bets, especially on horses or games.Also: bettor, punter, gambler.

1 other meaning: promiser

2promiser: A person who makes a promise or pledge.Also: pledger.

“Gealltóir” with the article

The plural of better in Irish is gealltóirí. Here is gealltóir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an gealltóir

the better

No change after an

na gealltóirí

the betters

Plural: no change after na

“Gealltóir” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gealltóir, the Irish word for better.

Is gealltóir mór é ar na capaill.

He's a big better on the horses.

Bhuaigh an gealltóir go leor airgid inné.

The punter won a lot of money yesterday.

Bhí na gealltóirí go léir ag féachaint ar an rás.

All the punters were watching the race.

Chaill mo dheartháir, gealltóir bocht, a phá ar fad.

My brother, a poor gambler, lost all his wages.

Bhí slua gealltóirí sa siopa geallghlacadóra.

There was a crowd of punters in the bookmaker's.

Ní raibh ádh an ghealltóra leis inniu.

The punter's luck wasn't with him today.

Tá a lán gealltóirí ag an rásaíocht i nGaillimh.

There are lots of punters at the races in Galway.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

réigiúnregion briatharverb feachtascampaign íocaíochtpayment sliabhmountain spásspace

Better in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for better?

The Irish for better is gealltóir (pronounced “GYAWL-toh-ir”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gealltóirí. Depending on context it can also mean promiser.

How do you pronounce gealltóir in Irish?

Gealltóir is said like “GYAWL-toh-ir” (IPA /ˈɟal̪ˠt̪ˠoːɾʲ/).

What is the plural of better in Irish?

The plural of gealltóir is gealltóirí; with the article, na gealltóirí means “the betters”. The genitive plural is gealltóirí, as in airgead na ngealltóirí (the punters' money).

Does gealltóir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gealltóir can mean better or promiser, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gealltóir change to ghealltóir or ngealltóir?

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

What is the difference between gealltóir and geallghlacadóir?

A gealltóir places a bet, while a geallghlacadóir is the bookmaker who takes the bet.

Better in Irish (Gealltóir): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage