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Cone in Irish (Buaircín): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘buaircín’ also means: toggle-pin · horn guard

The Irish for cone is buaircín, a masculine noun (plural buaircíní).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “cone” in Irish

Irish:
buaircín
English:
cone, toggle-pin, horn guard
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“BOOR-keen”  /ˈbuəɾʲciːnʲ/
Various forms
Plural:
buaircíní (cones)
Genitive singular:
buaircín, an bhuaircín (e.g. barr an bhuaircín, the tip of the cone)
Genitive plural:
buaircíní, na mbuaircíní (e.g. síolta na mbuaircíní, the seeds of the cones)

What does “buaircín” mean?

“Buaircín” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

cone
A solid shape or object that narrows from a round base to a point, such as a pine cone.Also: pine cone, fir cone.
2 other meanings: toggle-pin or horn guard
2toggle-pin
A small peg or pin used to fasten something, such as a tether or rope.Also: toggle, peg.
3horn guard
A knob or cap fixed on the tip of an animal's horn to stop it doing harm.Also: horn knob, horn tip.

Other Irish words for cone: cón (cone)

“Buaircín” with the article

The plural of cone in Irish is buaircíní. Here is buaircín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an buaircín
the cone
No change after an
na buaircíní
the cones
Plural: no change after na

“Buaircín” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using buaircín, the Irish word for cone.

Phioc an páiste buaircín den talamh.
The child picked a cone up off the ground.
Tá an buaircín seo lán de shíolta.
This cone is full of seeds.
Bhailíomar buaircíní faoi na crainn ghiúise.
We gathered cones under the pine trees.
Tá cruth buaircín ar an hata sin.
That hat is shaped like a cone.
Chuir sé buaircín i mo phóca.
He put a cone in my pocket.
Cuir na buaircíní sa chiseán, le do thoil.
Put the cones in the basket, please.
Bhí buaircín ar adharc na bó.
There was a guard on the cow's horn.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Cone in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for cone?

The Irish for cone is buaircín (pronounced “BOOR-keen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is buaircíní. Depending on context it can also mean toggle-pin or horn guard.

How do you pronounce buaircín in Irish?

Buaircín is said like “BOOR-keen” (IPA /ˈbuəɾʲciːnʲ/).

What is the plural of cone in Irish?

The plural of buaircín is buaircíní; with the article, na buaircíní means “the cones”. The genitive plural is buaircíní, as in síolta na mbuaircíní (the seeds of the cones).

Does buaircín have more than one meaning?

Yes. Buaircín can mean cone, toggle-pin or horn guard, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does buaircín change to bhuaircín or mbuaircín?

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

Is 'buaircín' the usual word for a traffic cone or ice-cream cone?

Not usually: 'cón' is the common word for those, while 'buaircín' is mainly used for a pine or fir cone, as in 'buaircín giúise'.

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