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Cloak in Irish (Clóca): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘clóca’ also means: cloak (figurative)

The Irish for cloak is clóca, a masculine noun (plural clócaí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “cloak” in Irish

Irish:
clóca
English:
cloak, cloak (figurative)
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“KLOH-kuh”  /ˈkl̪ˠoːkə/
Various forms
Plural:
clócaí (cloaks)
Genitive singular:
clóca, an chlóca (e.g. cochall an chlóca, the hood of the cloak)
Genitive plural:
clócaí, na gclócaí (e.g. cochaill na gclócaí, the hoods of the cloaks)

What does “clóca” mean?

“Clóca” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

cloak
A loose outer garment without sleeves that hangs from the shoulders.Also: cape, mantle.
1 other meaning: cloak (figurative)
2cloak (figurative)
Something that covers or hides, used figuratively as in a cloak of darkness.Also: cloak, cover, disguise.

Other Irish words for cloak: brat (mantle), fallaing (cloak)

“Clóca” with the article

The plural of cloak in Irish is clócaí. Here is clóca after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an clóca
the cloak
No change after an
na clócaí
the cloaks
Plural: no change after na

“Clóca” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using clóca, the Irish word for cloak.

Chuir sí clóca dubh uirthi féin.
She put on a black cloak.
Bhí an clóca fliuch tar éis na báistí.
The cloak was wet after the rain.
Tá póca beag i mo chlóca.
There's a small pocket in my cloak.
Bhain sé de a chlóca sa halla.
He took off his cloak in the hall.
Bhí dath dearg ar imeall an chlóca.
The edge of the cloak was red.
Chaith na sagairt clócaí fada bána.
The priests wore long white cloaks.
Chlúdaigh sé an leanbh lena chlóca.
He covered the child with his cloak.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Cloak in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for cloak?

The Irish for cloak is clóca (pronounced “KLOH-kuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is clócaí. Depending on context it can also mean cloak (figurative).

How do you pronounce clóca in Irish?

Clóca is said like “KLOH-kuh” (IPA /ˈkl̪ˠoːkə/).

What is the plural of cloak in Irish?

The plural of clóca is clócaí; with the article, na clócaí means “the cloaks”. The genitive plural is clócaí, as in cochaill na gclócaí (the hoods of the cloaks).

Does clóca have more than one meaning?

Yes. Clóca can mean cloak or cloak (figurative), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does clóca change to chlóca or gclóca?

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

What is the difference between clóca and fallaing?

Both mean a cloak or mantle; fallaing is the older, more literary word, while clóca is the everyday word for a cloak or cape.

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