HeyRuaHow to say “cock” in Irish
- Irish:
- coileach
- English:
- cock, weathercock
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KIL-yukh” /ˈkɛlʲəx/
- Plural:
- coiligh (cocks)
- Genitive singular:
- coiligh, an choiligh (e.g. glao an choiligh, the crowing of the cock)
- Genitive plural:
- coileach, na gcoileach (e.g. troid coileach, cockfighting)
What does “coileach” mean?
“Coileach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cock
- An adult male chicken; also the male of some other birds.Also: rooster, cockerel, male bird.
1 other meaning: weathercock
- 2weathercock
- In the phrase 'coileach gaoithe', a weather vane shaped like a cock.Also: weather vane.
“Coileach” with the article
The plural of cock in Irish is coiligh. Here is coileach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Coileach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using coileach, the Irish word for cock.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cock in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cock?
The Irish for cock is coileach (pronounced “KIL-yukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is coiligh. Depending on context it can also mean weathercock.
How do you pronounce coileach in Irish?
Coileach is said like “KIL-yukh” (IPA /ˈkɛlʲəx/).
What is the plural of cock in Irish?
The plural of coileach is coiligh; with the article, na coiligh means “the cocks”. The genitive plural is coileach, as in troid coileach (cockfighting).
Does coileach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Coileach can mean cock or weathercock, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does coileach change to choileach or gcoileach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) coileach becomes mo choileach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcoileach (eclipsis).
What is the female of 'coileach'?
The hen is 'cearc', and a young chicken is 'sicín'.
Is 'coileach' used for other male birds?
Yes, for example 'coileach feá' is a cock pheasant and 'coileach francach' a turkey cock.
