HeyRuaHow to say “clergy” in Irish
- Irish:
- cléir
- English:
- clergy, band
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “klayr” /kʲlʲeːɾʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- cléire, na cléire (e.g. baill na cléire, members of the clergy)
What does “cléir” mean?
“Cléir” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- clergy
- The body of priests and ministers of a church, taken together.Also: clerics, priesthood, the cloth.
1 other meaning: band
- 2band
- A company or band of people, such as a group of poets or wanderers travelling together.Also: company, troupe, retinue.
“Cléir” with the article
Here is cléir after the article (an t-alt).
“Cléir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cléir, the Irish word for clergy.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Clergy in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for clergy?
The Irish for clergy is cléir (pronounced “klayr”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean band.
How do you pronounce cléir in Irish?
Cléir is said like “klayr” (IPA /kʲlʲeːɾʲ/).
Does cléir have a plural?
No plural form is given for cléir in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does cléir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cléir can mean clergy or band, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cléir change to chléir or gcléir?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cléir becomes mo chléir (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcléir (eclipsis).
What is the difference between cléir and cléireach?
Cléir is the clergy as a collective body, while cléireach is an individual cleric or, in modern use, a clerk.
