Crown of the head in Irish (Baithis): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for crown of the head?

The Irish for crown of the head is baithis (pronounced “bash”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is baithisí. Depending on context it can also mean forehead or baptism.

Q: What is the plural of crown of the head in Irish?

The plural of baithis is baithisí; with the article, na baithisí means “the crowns of the head”. The genitive plural is baithisí, as in gruaig na mbaithisí (the hair of the crowns).

Q: Does baithis have more than one meaning?

Yes. Baithis can mean crown of the head, forehead or baptism, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “crown of the head” in Irish

Irish:: baithis
English:: crown of the head, forehead, baptism
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “bash” /bˠaʃ/

Various forms

Plural:: baithisí (crowns of the head)
Genitive singular:: baithise, na baithise (e.g. cró na baithise, the fontanelle (soft spot of the crown))
Genitive plural:: baithisí, na mbaithisí (e.g. gruaig na mbaithisí, the hair of the crowns)

What does “baithis” mean?

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

crown of the head: The top part of the head.Also: crown, top of the head, pate.

2 other meanings: forehead or baptism

2forehead: The front of the head above the eyes; brow.Also: brow.
3baptism: Baptism or christening, a sense found in old phrases such as 'screaball baithise'.Also: christening.

“Baithis” with the article

The plural of crown of the head in Irish is baithisí. Here is baithis after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bhaithis

the crown of the head

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

na baithisí

the crowns of the head

Plural: no change after na

“Baithis” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using baithis, the Irish word for crown of the head.

Bhí a cuid gruaige greamaithe dá baithis ag an mbáisteach.

Her hair was stuck to her forehead from the rain.

Bhuail sé a bhaithis ar an doras.

He hit the top of his head on the door.

Tá an ghruaig ag tanú ar a bhaithis.

His hair is thinning on the crown.

Leag sí póg ar bhaithis an linbh.

She kissed the baby's head.

Bíonn cró na baithise bog ag naíonán.

A baby's fontanelle is soft.

Chuir sé lámh ar a bhaithis.

He put a hand on his brow.

Bhí allas ar a mbaithisí sa teas.

Sweat was on their brows in the heat.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Crown of the head in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for crown of the head?

The Irish for crown of the head is baithis (pronounced “bash”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is baithisí. Depending on context it can also mean forehead or baptism.

How do you pronounce baithis in Irish?

Baithis is said like “bash” (IPA /bˠaʃ/).

What is the plural of crown of the head in Irish?

The plural of baithis is baithisí; with the article, na baithisí means “the crowns of the head”. The genitive plural is baithisí, as in gruaig na mbaithisí (the hair of the crowns).

Does baithis have more than one meaning?

Yes. Baithis can mean crown of the head, forehead or baptism, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does baithis change to bhaithis or mbaithis?

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

Is 'baithis' the usual word for forehead?

The everyday word for forehead is 'éadan' or 'clár éadain'; 'baithis' mainly means the crown of the head, though it is also used for the brow.

Crown of the head in Irish (Baithis): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage