Catkin in Irish (Caitín): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for catkin?

The Irish for catkin is caitín (pronounced “KAT-yeen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is caitíní. Depending on context it can also mean fluff or kitten.

Q: What is the plural of catkin in Irish?

The plural of caitín is caitíní; with the article, na caitíní means “the catkins”. The genitive plural is caitíní, as in boladh na gcaitíní (the smell of the catkins).

Q: Does caitín have more than one meaning?

Yes. Caitín can mean catkin, fluff or kitten, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “catkin” in Irish

Irish:: caitín
English:: catkin, fluff, kitten
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “KAT-yeen” /ˈkatʲiːnʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: caitíní (catkins)
Genitive singular:: caitín, an chaitín (e.g. dath an chaitín, the colour of the catkin)
Genitive plural:: caitíní, na gcaitíní (e.g. boladh na gcaitíní, the smell of the catkins)

What does “caitín” mean?

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

catkin: A soft hanging spike of tiny flowers on trees such as the willow or hazel.Also: pussy willow, ament.

2 other meanings: fluff or kitten

2fluff: Soft downy fibre or nap, as on cloth or on certain plants.Also: nap, down, pile.
3kitten: A young or small cat; more usually 'piscín' is used for this.Also: little cat, pussy.

“Caitín” with the article

The plural of catkin in Irish is caitíní. Here is caitín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an caitín

the catkin

No change after an

na caitíní

the catkins

Plural: no change after na

“Caitín” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using caitín, the Irish word for catkin.

Tá caitíní ar an tsaileach cheana féin.

There are catkins on the willow already.

Thit caitín den chrann coll.

A catkin fell from the hazel tree.

Bhailigh na páistí na caitíní san earrach.

The children gathered the catkins in spring.

Tá an caitín bog mar olann.

The catkin is soft like wool.

Bhí caitín ar mo gheansaí nua.

There was fluff on my new jumper.

Chonaic mé dath buí an chaitín.

I saw the yellow colour of the catkin.

Bíonn go leor caitíní sa choill i mí Feabhra.

There are lots of catkins in the wood in February.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Catkin in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for catkin?

The Irish for catkin is caitín (pronounced “KAT-yeen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is caitíní. Depending on context it can also mean fluff or kitten.

How do you pronounce caitín in Irish?

Caitín is said like “KAT-yeen” (IPA /ˈkatʲiːnʲ/).

What is the plural of catkin in Irish?

The plural of caitín is caitíní; with the article, na caitíní means “the catkins”. The genitive plural is caitíní, as in boladh na gcaitíní (the smell of the catkins).

Does caitín have more than one meaning?

Yes. Caitín can mean catkin, fluff or kitten, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does caitín change to chaitín or gcaitín?

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

Is 'caitín' the usual word for a kitten?

Not usually: the everyday word for a kitten is 'piscín'. 'Caitín' most often means a catkin, as on a willow or hazel.

Catkin in Irish (Caitín): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage