HeyRuaHow to say “creel” in Irish
- Irish:
- cliabh
- English:
- creel, chest, wicker frame
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “klee-uv” /kʲlʲiəvˠ/
- Plural:
- cléibh (creels)
- Genitive singular:
- cléibh, an chléibh (e.g. lán an chléibh, the full of the creel)
- Genitive plural:
- cliabh, na gcliabh (e.g. déanamh na gcliabh, the making of the creels)
What does “cliabh” mean?
“Cliabh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- creel
- A large wicker basket, often carried on the back, used for turf, potatoes or fish.Also: basket, pannier, wicker basket.
2 other meanings: chest or wicker frame
- 2chest
- The chest or breast of the body, the ribcage; also used figuratively for the heart or bosom.Also: breast, bosom, ribcage.
- 3wicker frame
- The wicker or lath framework of something, such as a currach or a cart.Also: framework, frame.
“Cliabh” with the article
The plural of creel in Irish is cléibh. Here is cliabh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cliabh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cliabh, the Irish word for creel.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Creel in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for creel?
The Irish for creel is cliabh (pronounced “klee-uv”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cléibh. Depending on context it can also mean chest or wicker frame.
How do you pronounce cliabh in Irish?
Cliabh is said like “klee-uv” (IPA /kʲlʲiəvˠ/).
What is the plural of creel in Irish?
The plural of cliabh is cléibh; with the article, na cléibh means “the creels”. The genitive plural is cliabh, as in déanamh na gcliabh (the making of the creels).
Does cliabh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cliabh can mean creel, chest or wicker frame, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cliabh change to chliabh or gcliabh?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cliabh becomes mo chliabh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcliabh (eclipsis).
How is 'cliabh' different from 'ciseán'?
A 'cliabh' is a large, rough wicker creel for turf or potatoes, while a 'ciseán' is an ordinary basket. 'Cliabhán', a diminutive form, means a cradle.
What does 'cliabh' mean in poetry?
It often means the chest or bosom, as in 'i mo chliabh', meaning in my heart or breast.
