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Cover in Irish (Clúdach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘clúdach’ also means: envelope · covering

The Irish for cover is clúdach, a masculine noun (plural clúdaigh). Ag clúdach is covering, from the verb clúdaigh.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “cover” in Irish

Irish:
clúdach
English:
cover, envelope, covering
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
clúdaigh, to cover (ag clúdach, covering)
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“KLOO-dukh”  /ˈkl̪ˠuːd̪ˠəx/
Various forms
Plural:
clúdaigh (covers)
Genitive singular:
clúdaigh, an chlúdaigh (e.g. pictiúr an chlúdaigh, the picture on the cover)
Genitive plural:
clúdach, na gclúdach (e.g. pacáiste na gclúdach, the packet of envelopes)

What does “clúdach” mean?

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

cover
Something that covers or protects an object, such as a lid, a book cover or a bed cover.Also: lid, covering, book cover, wrapper.
2 other meanings: envelope or covering
2envelope
A paper wrapper in which a letter is sent.Also: letter envelope.
3covering
The act of covering something; verbal noun of the verb clúdaigh.Also: cover.

Other Irish words for cover: clúdaigh (cover), dídean (shelter), cumhdach (covering), cumhdaigh (cover)

“Clúdach” as a verbal noun

After ag, clúdach means covering: it is the verbal noun of the verb clúdaigh (to cover). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
clúdachverbal noun
=
ag clúdachcovering

“Clúdach” with the article

The plural of cover in Irish is clúdaigh. Here is clúdach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an clúdach
the cover
No change after an
na clúdaigh
the covers
Plural: no change after na

“Clúdach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using clúdach, the Irish word for cover.

Cad atá ar chlúdach an leabhair?
What's on the cover of the book?
Thit an clúdach amach as a phóca.
The envelope fell out of his pocket.
Tá pictiúr díot ar chlúdach na hirise.
There's a picture of you on the magazine cover.
Cuir an litir i gclúdach, le do thoil.
Put the letter in an envelope, please.
Cheannaigh mé clúdaigh nua don leaba.
I bought new covers for the bed.
Tá dath an chlúdaigh rógheal.
The colour of the cover is too bright.
Scríobh mé an seoladh ar an gclúdach.
I wrote the address on the envelope.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Cover in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for cover?

The Irish for cover is clúdach (pronounced “KLOO-dukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is clúdaigh. Depending on context it can also mean envelope or covering.

How do you pronounce clúdach in Irish?

Clúdach is said like “KLOO-dukh” (IPA /ˈkl̪ˠuːd̪ˠəx/).

What is the plural of cover in Irish?

The plural of clúdach is clúdaigh; with the article, na clúdaigh means “the covers”. The genitive plural is clúdach, as in pacáiste na gclúdach (the packet of envelopes).

Does clúdach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Clúdach can mean cover, envelope or covering, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does clúdach change to chlúdach or gclúdach?

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

Is 'clúdach' always an envelope?

No, 'clúdach' is any cover; for clarity an envelope is often called 'clúdach litreach'.

What is the difference between 'clúdach' and 'claibín'?

'Claibín' is a small lid or cap on a jar or bottle, while 'clúdach' is a more general word for a cover.

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