Boulder in Irish (Mullán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for boulder?

The Irish for boulder is mullán (pronounced “mul-AWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is mulláin. Depending on context it can also mean standing stone.

Q: What is the plural of boulder in Irish?

The plural of mullán is mulláin; with the article, na mulláin means “the boulders”. The genitive plural is mullán, as in carn na mullán (the pile of boulders).

Q: Does mullán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mullán can mean boulder or standing stone, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “boulder” in Irish

Irish:: mullán
English:: boulder, standing stone
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “mul-AWN” /mʊˈlˠɑːn̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: mulláin (boulders)
Genitive singular:: mulláin, an mhulláin (e.g. barr an mhulláin, the top of the boulder)
Genitive plural:: mullán, na mullán (e.g. carn na mullán, the pile of boulders)

What does “mullán” mean?

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

boulder: A large stone or rock, especially one standing in a field or on the ground.Also: large stone, rock, standing stone.

1 other meaning: standing stone

2standing stone: An ancient upright stone set in the ground, a megalith.Also: megalith, menhir, pillar stone.

Other Irish words for boulder: bollán (boulder)

“Mullán” with the article

The plural of boulder in Irish is mulláin. Here is mullán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an mullán

the boulder

No change after an

na mulláin

the boulders

Plural: no change after na

“Mullán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using mullán, the Irish word for boulder.

Tá mullán mór i lár na páirce.

There is a big boulder in the middle of the field.

Shuigh sé ar an mullán chun a scíth a ligean.

He sat on the boulder to take a rest.

Ní raibh sé in ann an mullán a bhogadh.

He couldn't move the boulder.

Bhí na mulláin scaipthe ar fud an tsléibhe.

The boulders were scattered all over the mountain.

Chuaigh an chaora i bhfolach taobh thiar den mhullán.

The sheep hid behind the boulder.

Tá cuid mhaith mullán sa cheantar seo.

There are a lot of boulders in this area.

Seasann mullán ársa ar an gcnoc.

An ancient standing stone stands on the hill.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Boulder in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for boulder?

The Irish for boulder is mullán (pronounced “mul-AWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is mulláin. Depending on context it can also mean standing stone.

How do you pronounce mullán in Irish?

Mullán is said like “mul-AWN” (IPA /mʊˈlˠɑːn̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of boulder in Irish?

The plural of mullán is mulláin; with the article, na mulláin means “the boulders”. The genitive plural is mullán, as in carn na mullán (the pile of boulders).

Does mullán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mullán can mean boulder or standing stone, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does mullán change to mhullán?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhullán. After ár (our) it stays ár mullán, because m does not take eclipsis.

What is the difference between 'mullán' and 'gallán'?

'Mullán' is mainly a boulder or large rock, while 'gallán' is the usual word for an ancient standing stone, though 'mullán' can also be used for one.

Boulder in Irish (Mullán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage