Buoy in Irish (Bulla): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for buoy?

The Irish for buoy is bulla (pronounced “BUL-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bullaí. Depending on context it can also mean float or bull.

Q: What is the plural of buoy in Irish?

The plural of bulla is bullaí; with the article, na bullaí means “the buoys”. The genitive plural is bullaí, as in rópaí na mbullaí (the ropes of the buoys).

Q: Does bulla have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bulla can mean buoy, float or bull, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “buoy” in Irish

Irish:: bulla
English:: buoy, float, bull
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “BUL-uh” /ˈbʊlˠə/

Various forms

Plural:: bullaí (buoys)
Genitive singular:: bulla, an bhulla (e.g. rópa an bhulla, the rope of the buoy)
Genitive plural:: bullaí, na mbullaí (e.g. rópaí na mbullaí, the ropes of the buoys)

What does “bulla” mean?

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

buoy: A floating object anchored in water to mark a channel, a hazard or a mooring.Also: marker buoy, mooring buoy.

2 other meanings: float or bull

2float: A floating object attached to a fishing net or line to keep it up in the water.Also: net float, bob.
3bull: A formal document or decree issued by the Pope.Also: papal bull.

“Bulla” with the article

The plural of buoy in Irish is bullaí. Here is bulla after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bulla

the buoy

No change after an

na bullaí

the buoys

Plural: no change after na

“Bulla” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bulla, the Irish word for buoy.

Tá bulla dearg ag snámh sa chuan.

There's a red buoy floating in the harbour.

Cheangail sé an bád den bhulla.

He tied the boat to the buoy.

Bhí faoileán ina sheasamh ar an mbulla.

A seagull was standing on the buoy.

Briseadh rópa an bhulla sa stoirm.

The buoy's rope was broken in the storm.

Coinníonn na bullaí an líon ar bharr an uisce.

The floats keep the net on top of the water.

Seol idir an dá bhulla sin.

Sail between those two buoys.

Chaill mé bulla i ngarbhshíon na hoíche aréir.

I lost a buoy in last night's rough weather.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Buoy in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for buoy?

The Irish for buoy is bulla (pronounced “BUL-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bullaí. Depending on context it can also mean float or bull.

How do you pronounce bulla in Irish?

Bulla is said like “BUL-uh” (IPA /ˈbʊlˠə/).

What is the plural of buoy in Irish?

The plural of bulla is bullaí; with the article, na bullaí means “the buoys”. The genitive plural is bullaí, as in rópaí na mbullaí (the ropes of the buoys).

Does bulla have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bulla can mean buoy, float or bull, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bulla change to bhulla or mbulla?

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

Is 'bulla' used for a papal bull too?

Yes, 'bulla' can also mean a papal bull, as in 'bulla an Phápa', but at sea it means a buoy or float.

Buoy in Irish (Bulla): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage