HeyRuaHow to say “cave” in Irish
- Irish:
- uaimh
- English:
- cave, den, crypt
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “oo-iv” /uəvʲ/
- Plural:
- uaimheanna (caves)
- Genitive singular:
- uaimhe, na huaimhe (e.g. béal na huaimhe, the mouth of the cave)
- Genitive plural:
- uaimheanna, na n-uaimheanna (e.g. iniúchadh na n-uaimheanna, the exploration of the caves)
What does “uaimh” mean?
“Uaimh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cave
- A large natural hollow in a hillside, cliff or underground.Also: cavern, grotto.
2 other meanings: den or crypt
- 2den
- A hidden underground place or lair, such as an animal's den.Also: lair, hiding place.
- 3crypt
- An underground chamber or vault, especially one used for burial.Also: vault, souterrain, underground chamber.
Other Irish words for cave: pluais (cave)
“Uaimh” with the article
The plural of cave in Irish is uaimheanna. Here is uaimh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Uaimh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using uaimh, the Irish word for cave.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cave in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cave?
The Irish for cave is uaimh (pronounced “oo-iv”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is uaimheanna. Depending on context it can also mean den or crypt.
How do you pronounce uaimh in Irish?
Uaimh is said like “oo-iv” (IPA /uəvʲ/).
What is the plural of cave in Irish?
The plural of uaimh is uaimheanna; with the article, na huaimheanna means “the caves”. The genitive plural is uaimheanna, as in iniúchadh na n-uaimheanna (the exploration of the caves).
Does uaimh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Uaimh can mean cave, den or crypt, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does uaimh sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an uaimh (the cave), a huaimh (her cave), a n-uaimh (their cave), na huaimheanna (the caves).
What is the difference between 'uaimh' and 'pluais'?
Both mean cave; 'pluais' is the everyday word for a cave or den, while 'uaimh' also suggests an underground chamber or crypt and is common in place names.
Why is the town Navan called 'An Uaimh'?
The Irish name 'An Uaimh' means 'the cave' or 'the souterrain', from an ancient underground chamber in the area.
