HeyRuaHow to say “dove” in Irish
- Irish:
- colm
- English:
- dove, scar
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOL-um” /ˈkɔl̪ˠəmˠ/
- Plural:
- coilm (doves)
- Genitive singular:
- coilm, an choilm (e.g. cleití an choilm, the feathers of the dove)
- Genitive plural:
- colm, na gcolm (e.g. cuachaireacht na gcolm, the cooing of the doves)
What does “colm” mean?
“Colm” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- dove
- A dove or pigeon, a plump bird often seen as a symbol of peace; the usual everyday word for pigeon is 'colúr'.Also: pigeon, rock dove.
1 other meaning: scar
- 2scar
- A scar or mark left on the skin after a wound has healed.Also: cicatrice, mark.
Other Irish words for dove: colúr (pigeon)
“Colm” with the article
The plural of dove in Irish is coilm. Here is colm after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Colm” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using colm, the Irish word for dove.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Dove in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for dove?
The Irish for dove is colm (pronounced “KOL-um”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is coilm. Depending on context it can also mean scar.
How do you pronounce colm in Irish?
Colm is said like “KOL-um” (IPA /ˈkɔl̪ˠəmˠ/).
What is the plural of dove in Irish?
The plural of colm is coilm; with the article, na coilm means “the doves”. The genitive plural is colm, as in cuachaireacht na gcolm (the cooing of the doves).
Does colm have more than one meaning?
Yes. Colm can mean dove or scar, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does colm change to cholm or gcolm?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) colm becomes mo cholm (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcolm (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'colm' and 'colúr'?
'Colúr' is the everyday word for a pigeon or dove, while 'colm' is more literary and also means a scar.
Is 'colm' connected to the name Colm?
Yes, the name Colm means dove, as in 'Colm Cille', the dove of the church, Saint Columba.
