HeyRuaHow to say “chameleon” in Irish
- Irish:
- caimileon
- English:
- chameleon, chameleon (person)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KAM-il-ohn” /ˈkamʲɪlʲoːn̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- caimileoin (chameleons)
- Genitive singular:
- caimileoin, an chaimileoin (e.g. dath an chaimileoin, the colour of the chameleon)
- Genitive plural:
- caimileon, na gcaimileon (e.g. iompar na gcaimileon, the behaviour of chameleons)
What does “caimileon” mean?
“Caimileon” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- chameleon
- A small lizard that can change the colour of its skin to match its surroundings.Also: lizard.
1 other meaning: chameleon (person)
- 2chameleon (person)
- A person who changes their opinions or behaviour to suit the situation.Also: chameleon, turncoat, changeable person.
“Caimileon” with the article
The plural of chameleon in Irish is caimileoin. Here is caimileon after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Caimileon” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using caimileon, the Irish word for chameleon.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Chameleon in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for chameleon?
The Irish for chameleon is caimileon (pronounced “KAM-il-ohn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is caimileoin. Depending on context it can also mean chameleon (person).
How do you pronounce caimileon in Irish?
Caimileon is said like “KAM-il-ohn” (IPA /ˈkamʲɪlʲoːn̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of chameleon in Irish?
The plural of caimileon is caimileoin; with the article, na caimileoin means “the chameleons”. The genitive plural is caimileon, as in iompar na gcaimileon (the behaviour of chameleons).
Does caimileon have more than one meaning?
Yes. Caimileon can mean chameleon or chameleon (person), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does caimileon change to chaimileon or gcaimileon?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) caimileon becomes mo chaimileon (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcaimileon (eclipsis).
Can 'caimileon' describe a person?
Yes, as in English, 'caimileon' can describe someone who changes views to suit the company, e.g. 'Is caimileon é'.
