Buzzard in Irish (Clamhán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for buzzard?

The Irish for buzzard is clamhán (pronounced “KLOW-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is clamháin. Depending on context it can also mean bald patch.

Q: What is the plural of buzzard in Irish?

The plural of clamhán is clamháin; with the article, na clamháin means “the buzzards”. The genitive plural is clamhán, as in nead na gclamhán (the buzzards' nest).

Q: Does clamhán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Clamhán can mean buzzard or bald patch, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “buzzard” in Irish

Irish:: clamhán
English:: buzzard, bald patch
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “KLOW-awn” /ˈkl̪ˠəuaːnˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: clamháin (buzzards)
Genitive singular:: clamháin, an chlamháin (e.g. nead an chlamháin, the buzzard's nest)
Genitive plural:: clamhán, na gclamhán (e.g. nead na gclamhán, the buzzards' nest)

What does “clamhán” mean?

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

buzzard: A large bird of prey with broad wings, especially the common buzzard.Also: common buzzard, bird of prey, hawk.

1 other meaning: bald patch

2bald patch: A bare or bald patch on the head, on an animal's coat, or on land.Also: bare patch, mangy patch.

“Clamhán” with the article

The plural of buzzard in Irish is clamháin. Here is clamhán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an clamhán

the buzzard

No change after an

na clamháin

the buzzards

Plural: no change after na

“Clamhán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using clamhán, the Irish word for buzzard.

Chonaic mé clamhán os cionn na páirce inniu.

I saw a buzzard above the field today.

Bhí an clamhán ag faoileáil go hard sa spéir.

The buzzard was gliding high in the sky.

Tá sciatháin leathana ag an gclamhán.

The buzzard has broad wings.

Tá na clamháin ag filleadh ar an gceantar seo.

Buzzards are returning to this area.

Chuala mé glao an chlamháin sa choill.

I heard the buzzard's call in the wood.

Is éan creiche é an clamhán.

The buzzard is a bird of prey.

Bhí clamhán ar chloigeann an mhadra.

The dog had a bald patch on its head.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

oíchenight lámhhand níthing láthairsite mímonth cáscase

Buzzard in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for buzzard?

The Irish for buzzard is clamhán (pronounced “KLOW-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is clamháin. Depending on context it can also mean bald patch.

How do you pronounce clamhán in Irish?

Clamhán is said like “KLOW-awn” (IPA /ˈkl̪ˠəuaːnˠ/).

What is the plural of buzzard in Irish?

The plural of clamhán is clamháin; with the article, na clamháin means “the buzzards”. The genitive plural is clamhán, as in nead na gclamhán (the buzzards' nest).

Does clamhán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Clamhán can mean buzzard or bald patch, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does clamhán change to chlamhán or gclamhán?

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

Is 'clamhán' the same as 'seabhac'?

No. 'Clamhán' is a buzzard and 'seabhac' is a hawk. Both are birds of prey, but they are different birds.

Buzzard in Irish (Clamhán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage