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Breakwater in Irish (Tonnchosc): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

The Irish for breakwater is tonnchosc, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “breakwater” in Irish

Irish:
tonnchosc
English:
breakwater
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“TOWN-khusk”  /ˈt̪ˠəunˠˌxəsˠk/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
tonnchoisc, an tonnchoisc (e.g. ceann an tonnchoisc, the end of the breakwater)

What does “tonnchosc” mean?

breakwater
A wall or barrier built out into the sea to break the force of the waves and protect a harbour or shore.Also: mole, wave barrier, groyne.

“Tonnchosc” with the article

Here is tonnchosc after the article (an t-alt).

an tonnchosc
the breakwater
No change after an

“Tonnchosc” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tonnchosc, the Irish word for breakwater.

Tógadh tonnchosc nua ag béal an chuain.
A new breakwater was built at the mouth of the harbour.
Shiúlamar amach go deireadh an tonnchoisc.
We walked out to the end of the breakwater.
Cosnaíonn an tonnchosc na báid ar na tonnta.
The breakwater protects the boats from the waves.
Bhí na tonnta ag briseadh ar an tonnchosc.
The waves were breaking on the breakwater.
Rinneadh damáiste don tonnchosc sa stoirm.
The breakwater was damaged in the storm.
Tá iascairí ag iascach ón tonnchosc.
Fishermen are fishing from the breakwater.
Tá balla an tonnchoisc ag titim as a chéile.
The wall of the breakwater is falling apart.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Breakwater in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for breakwater?

The Irish for breakwater is tonnchosc (pronounced “TOWN-khusk”). It’s a masculine noun.

How do you pronounce tonnchosc in Irish?

Tonnchosc is said like “TOWN-khusk” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠəunˠˌxəsˠk/).

Does tonnchosc have a plural?

No plural form is given for tonnchosc in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Why does tonnchosc change to thonnchosc or dtonnchosc?

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

How is 'tonnchosc' different from 'cé' or 'céibh'?

A 'tonnchosc' is built mainly to block waves, while a 'cé' or 'céibh' is a quay or pier where boats tie up and load. The word literally combines 'tonn' (wave) and 'cosc' (prevention).

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