HeyRuaHow to say “dregs” in Irish
- Irish:
- dríodar
- English:
- dregs, residue, refuse
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DREE-uh-dur” /ˈdʲrʲiːd̪ˠəɾˠ/
- Plural:
- dríodair (dregs)
- Genitive singular:
- dríodair, an dríodair (e.g. bun an dríodair, the bottom of the dregs)
- Genitive plural:
- dríodar, na ndríodar (e.g. caitheamh na ndríodar, throwing out the dregs)
What does “dríodar” mean?
“Dríodar” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- dregs
- The sediment or last remains of a liquid left at the bottom of a container.Also: lees, sediment, grounds.
2 other meanings: residue or refuse
- 2residue
- What is left over of something, such as a small remainder of food or money.Also: remainder, leavings, remnant.
- 3refuse
- Worthless matter or rubbish; figuratively, the lowest or worst part of something.Also: waste, sludge, slops.
“Dríodar” with the article
The plural of dregs in Irish is dríodair. Here is dríodar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dríodar” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dríodar, the Irish word for dregs.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Dregs in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for dregs?
The Irish for dregs is dríodar (pronounced “DREE-uh-dur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dríodair. Depending on context it can also mean residue or refuse.
How do you pronounce dríodar in Irish?
Dríodar is said like “DREE-uh-dur” (IPA /ˈdʲrʲiːd̪ˠəɾˠ/).
What is the plural of dregs in Irish?
The plural of dríodar is dríodair; with the article, na dríodair means “the dregs”. The genitive plural is dríodar, as in caitheamh na ndríodar (throwing out the dregs).
Does dríodar have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dríodar can mean dregs, residue or refuse, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dríodar change to dhríodar or ndríodar?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dríodar becomes mo dhríodar (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndríodar (eclipsis).
Is 'dríodar' only used for liquids?
No. Besides sediment in drink, it is used for any leftovers, as in 'dríodar airgid' (a little money left), and figuratively, as in 'dríodar na ndaoine' (the dregs of society).
