HeyRuaHow to say “cell” in Irish
- Irish:
- cillín
- English:
- cell, nest egg, children's burial ground
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KIL-een” /ˈcɪlʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- cillíní (cells)
- Genitive singular:
- cillín, an chillín (e.g. doras an chillín, door of the cell)
- Genitive plural:
- cillíní, na gcillíní (e.g. doirse na gcillíní, the doors of the cells)
What does “cillín” mean?
“Cillín” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cell
- A small room or compartment, such as a monk's cell or a cell in a honeycomb.Also: small cell, cubicle.
2 other meanings: nest egg or children's burial ground
“Cillín” with the article
The plural of cell in Irish is cillíní. Here is cillín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cillín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cillín, the Irish word for cell.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cell in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cell?
The Irish for cell is cillín (pronounced “KIL-een”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cillíní. Depending on context it can also mean nest egg or children's burial ground.
How do you pronounce cillín in Irish?
Cillín is said like “KIL-een” (IPA /ˈcɪlʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of cell in Irish?
The plural of cillín is cillíní; with the article, na cillíní means “the cells”. The genitive plural is cillíní, as in doirse na gcillíní (the doors of the cells).
Does cillín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cillín can mean cell, nest egg or children's burial ground, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cillín change to chillín or gcillín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cillín becomes mo chillín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcillín (eclipsis).
Is cillín related to cill?
Yes, cillín is a diminutive of cill, 'church' or 'cell', so it literally means 'little church' or 'little cell'.
What is a cillín in Irish history?
A cillín was a separate, unconsecrated burial ground where unbaptised infants were buried, often at old church sites or ring forts.
