Borer in Irish (Tolladóir): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for borer?

The Irish for borer is tolladóir (pronounced “TUL-uh-dohr”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tolladóirí. Depending on context it can also mean perforator or borer (insect).

Q: What is the plural of borer in Irish?

The plural of tolladóir is tolladóirí; with the article, na tolladóirí means “the borers”. The genitive plural is tolladóirí, as in fiacla na dtolladóirí (the teeth of the borers).

Q: Does tolladóir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tolladóir can mean borer, perforator or borer (insect), depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “borer” in Irish

Irish:: tolladóir
English:: borer, perforator, borer (insect)
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “TUL-uh-dohr” /ˈt̪ˠɔl̪ˠəd̪ˠoːɾʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: tolladóirí (borers)
Genitive singular:: tolladóra, an tolladóra (e.g. barr an tolladóra, the tip of the borer)
Genitive plural:: tolladóirí, na dtolladóirí (e.g. fiacla na dtolladóirí, the teeth of the borers)

What does “tolladóir” mean?

“Tolladóir” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

borer: A tool or machine used for boring or drilling holes.Also: drill, boring tool, auger.

2 other meanings: perforator or borer (insect)

2perforator: A device for punching or piercing holes, for example in paper.Also: piercer, hole punch, punch.
3borer (insect): An insect or worm that bores into wood or plants.Also: borer, wood borer, boring insect.

“Tolladóir” with the article

The plural of borer in Irish is tolladóirí. Here is tolladóir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tolladóir

the borer

No change after an

na tolladóirí

the borers

Plural: no change after na

“Tolladóir” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tolladóir, the Irish word for borer.

Tá tolladóir ag teastáil uaim don obair seo.

I need a borer for this job.

Bhris barr an tolladóra sa chloch.

The tip of the borer broke in the stone.

Cá bhfuil an tolladóir páipéir?

Where is the paper punch?

Cheannaigh sé tolladóirí nua sa siopa.

He bought new borers in the shop.

Chuir mé mo tholladóir ar ais sa bhosca.

I put my borer back in the box.

Bhí poll mór sa chlár ón tolladóir.

There was a big hole in the board from the borer.

Úsáidtear tolladóirí móra i dtollánna.

Large borers are used in tunnels.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

ionadplace lármiddle cearta right íocpayment údarásauthority líonnet

Borer in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for borer?

The Irish for borer is tolladóir (pronounced “TUL-uh-dohr”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tolladóirí. Depending on context it can also mean perforator or borer (insect).

How do you pronounce tolladóir in Irish?

Tolladóir is said like “TUL-uh-dohr” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠɔl̪ˠəd̪ˠoːɾʲ/).

What is the plural of borer in Irish?

The plural of tolladóir is tolladóirí; with the article, na tolladóirí means “the borers”. The genitive plural is tolladóirí, as in fiacla na dtolladóirí (the teeth of the borers).

Does tolladóir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tolladóir can mean borer, perforator or borer (insect), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does tolladóir change to tholladóir or dtolladóir?

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

How is 'tolladóir' related to 'poll'?

'Tolladóir' comes from the verb 'toll' (to bore, pierce), and its verbal noun 'tolladh'; the hole it makes is a 'poll'.

Borer in Irish (Tolladóir): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage