Druid in Irish (Draoi): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for druid?

The Irish for druid is draoi (pronounced “dree”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is draoithe. Depending on context it can also mean wizard or expert.

Q: What is the plural of druid in Irish?

The plural of draoi is draoithe; with the article, na draoithe means “the druids”. The genitive plural is draoithe, as in scéalta na ndraoithe (the stories of the druids).

Q: Does draoi have more than one meaning?

Yes. Draoi can mean druid, wizard or expert, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “druid” in Irish

Irish:: draoi
English:: druid, wizard, expert
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “dree” /d̪ˠɾˠiː/

Various forms

Plural:: draoithe (druids)
Genitive singular:: draoi, an draoi (e.g. cumhacht an draoi, the power of the druid)
Genitive plural:: draoithe, na ndraoithe (e.g. scéalta na ndraoithe, the stories of the druids)

What does “draoi” mean?

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

druid: A priest, teacher and seer of the ancient Celtic religion.Also: pagan priest, augur, diviner.

2 other meanings: wizard or expert

2wizard: A person who practises magic or sorcery; a magician.Also: magician, sorcerer, enchanter.
3expert: A person who is unusually skilled or clever at something.Also: wizard, genius.

“Draoi” with the article

The plural of druid in Irish is draoithe. Here is draoi after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an draoi

the druid

No change after an

na draoithe

the druids

Plural: no change after na

“Draoi” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using draoi, the Irish word for druid.

Bhí draoi cumhachtach ag an rí fadó.

The king had a powerful druid long ago.

Thuar an draoi go mbeadh cogadh ann.

The druid foretold that there would be a war.

Chuir an draoi geasa ar an laoch.

The druid put a spell on the hero.

Bhí na draoithe an-tábhachtach i sochaí na gCeilteach.

The druids were very important in Celtic society.

Is draoi ceart é le ríomhairí.

He's a real wizard with computers.

Léigh mé leabhar faoi dhraoithe na hÉireann.

I read a book about the druids of Ireland.

Bhí slat draíochta i lámh an draoi.

There was a magic wand in the druid's hand.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Druid in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for druid?

The Irish for druid is draoi (pronounced “dree”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is draoithe. Depending on context it can also mean wizard or expert.

How do you pronounce draoi in Irish?

Draoi is said like “dree” (IPA /d̪ˠɾˠiː/).

What is the plural of druid in Irish?

The plural of draoi is draoithe; with the article, na draoithe means “the druids”. The genitive plural is draoithe, as in scéalta na ndraoithe (the stories of the druids).

Does draoi have more than one meaning?

Yes. Draoi can mean druid, wizard or expert, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does draoi change to dhraoi or ndraoi?

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

What is the difference between 'draoi' and 'draíocht'?

'Draoi' is the person, a druid or wizard, while 'draíocht' is the magic or enchantment itself, as in 'faoi dhraíocht' (under a spell).

Druid in Irish (Draoi): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage