Bumblebee in Irish (Bumbóg): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for bumblebee?

The Irish for bumblebee is bumbóg (pronounced “BUM-bohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bumbóga. Depending on context it can also mean busybody.

Q: What is the plural of bumblebee in Irish?

The plural of bumbóg is bumbóga; with the article, na bumbóga means “the bumblebees”. The genitive plural is bumbóg, as in nead bumbóg (a bumblebees' nest).

Q: Does bumbóg have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bumbóg can mean bumblebee or busybody, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “bumblebee” in Irish

Irish:: bumbóg
English:: bumblebee, busybody
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “BUM-bohg” /ˈbˠʊmˠbˠoːɡ/

Various forms

Plural:: bumbóga (bumblebees)
Genitive singular:: bumbóige, na bumbóige (e.g. dordán na bumbóige, the buzzing of the bumblebee)
Genitive plural:: bumbóg, na mbumbóg (e.g. nead bumbóg, a bumblebees' nest)

What does “bumbóg” mean?

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

bumblebee: A large hairy bee that makes a loud humming sound.Also: bumble bee, humble-bee.

1 other meaning: busybody

2busybody: A girl who is fussy, bustling or interfering.Also: bustling girl, fussy girl.

“Bumbóg” with the article

The plural of bumblebee in Irish is bumbóga. Here is bumbóg after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bhumbóg

the bumblebee

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

na bumbóga

the bumblebees

Plural: no change after na

“Bumbóg” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bumbóg, the Irish word for bumblebee.

Chonaic mé bumbóg mhór sa ghairdín inné.

I saw a big bumblebee in the garden yesterday.

Tá an bhumbóg ar an mbláth.

The bumblebee is on the flower.

Chuala mé dordán na bumbóige ag an bhfuinneog.

I heard the bumblebee buzzing at the window.

Bíonn go leor bumbóga thart i rith an tsamhraidh.

There are lots of bumblebees around in summer.

Chuaigh bumbóg isteach i mo sheomra.

A bumblebee got into my room.

Ná bí buartha, ní chuirfidh an bhumbóg cealg ionat.

Don't worry, the bumblebee won't sting you.

Tá líon na mbumbóg ag laghdú in Éirinn.

The number of bumblebees is falling in Ireland.

Other nouns in Irish

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Bumblebee in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for bumblebee?

The Irish for bumblebee is bumbóg (pronounced “BUM-bohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is bumbóga. Depending on context it can also mean busybody.

How do you pronounce bumbóg in Irish?

Bumbóg is said like “BUM-bohg” (IPA /ˈbˠʊmˠbˠoːɡ/).

What is the plural of bumblebee in Irish?

The plural of bumbóg is bumbóga; with the article, na bumbóga means “the bumblebees”. The genitive plural is bumbóg, as in nead bumbóg (a bumblebees' nest).

Does bumbóg have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bumbóg can mean bumblebee or busybody, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bumbóg change to bhumbóg or mbumbóg?

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

What is the difference between bumbóg and beach?

Beach is the general word for a bee, such as a honeybee, while bumbóg is specifically a bumblebee.

Bumblebee in Irish (Bumbóg): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage