Cuckoo in Irish (Cuach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for cuckoo?

The Irish for cuckoo is cuach (pronounced “koo-ukh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cuacha. Depending on context it can also mean strain of music.

Q: What is the plural of cuckoo in Irish?

The plural of cuach is cuacha; with the article, na cuacha means “the cuckoos”. The genitive plural is cuach, as in teacht na gcuach (the arrival of the cuckoos).

Q: Does cuach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cuach can mean cuckoo or strain of music, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “cuckoo” in Irish

Irish:: cuach
English:: cuckoo, strain of music
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “koo-ukh” /kuəx/

Various forms

Plural:: cuacha (cuckoos)
Genitive singular:: cuaiche, na cuaiche (e.g. glór na cuaiche, the call of the cuckoo)
Genitive plural:: cuach, na gcuach (e.g. teacht na gcuach, the arrival of the cuckoos)

What does “cuach” mean?

“Cuach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

cuckoo: A grey migratory bird, known for its two-note call, that lays its eggs in other birds' nests.Also: cuckoo bird.

1 other meaning: strain of music

2strain of music: A short snatch of song or a falsetto, plaintive vocal sound.Also: snatch of song, strain, falsetto, whoop.

“Cuach” with the article

The plural of cuckoo in Irish is cuacha. Here is cuach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chuach

the cuckoo

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na cuacha

the cuckoos

Plural: no change after na

“Cuach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cuach, the Irish word for cuckoo.

Chuala mé an chuach inniu den chéad uair.

I heard the cuckoo today for the first time.

Tagann an chuach go hÉirinn san earrach.

The cuckoo comes to Ireland in spring.

Tá clog cuaiche ar an mballa sa chistin.

There is a cuckoo clock on the kitchen wall.

Beireann an chuach a cuid uibheacha i neadacha éan eile.

The cuckoo lays its eggs in other birds' nests.

Bhí na cuacha ag glaoch sa choill ar maidin.

The cuckoos were calling in the wood this morning.

Is aoibhinn liom glór na cuaiche i mí na Bealtaine.

I love the cuckoo's call in May.

Ní fhaca mé cuach riamh, cé gur chuala mé í.

I never saw a cuckoo, though I heard one.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Cuckoo in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for cuckoo?

The Irish for cuckoo is cuach (pronounced “koo-ukh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cuacha. Depending on context it can also mean strain of music.

How do you pronounce cuach in Irish?

Cuach is said like “koo-ukh” (IPA /kuəx/).

What is the plural of cuckoo in Irish?

The plural of cuach is cuacha; with the article, na cuacha means “the cuckoos”. The genitive plural is cuach, as in teacht na gcuach (the arrival of the cuckoos).

Does cuach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cuach can mean cuckoo or strain of music, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cuach change to chuach or gcuach?

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

Is 'cuach' the same word as the 'cuach' meaning a bowl or a hug?

No, that is a separate entry; 'cuach' here is the bird, genitive 'cuaiche', while the other 'cuach' (bowl, curl, bundle) has genitive 'cuach'.

Cuckoo in Irish (Cuach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage