HeyRuaHow to say “drum” in Irish
- Irish:
- druma
- English:
- drum, eardrum
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DRUM-uh” /ˈd̪ˠɾˠʊmˠə/
- Plural:
- drumaí (drums)
- Genitive singular:
- druma, an druma (e.g. fuaim an druma, the sound of the drum)
- Genitive plural:
- drumaí, na ndrumaí (e.g. buíon drumaí, a drum band)
What does “druma” mean?
“Druma” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- drum
- A percussion instrument played by beating a stretched skin with sticks or the hands.Also: percussion, bass drum.
2 other meanings: eardrum
- 2drum
- A hollow cylindrical container or object, such as a barrel for oil or another liquid.Also: barrel, oil drum, cylinder.
- 3eardrum
- The thin membrane inside the ear, often called 'druma na cluaise'.Also: tympanum.
Other Irish words for drum: bodhrán (bodhran)
“Druma” with the article
The plural of drum in Irish is drumaí. Here is druma after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Druma” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using druma, the Irish word for drum.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Drum in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for drum?
The Irish for drum is druma (pronounced “DRUM-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is drumaí. Depending on context it can also mean eardrum.
How do you pronounce druma in Irish?
Druma is said like “DRUM-uh” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠɾˠʊmˠə/).
What is the plural of drum in Irish?
The plural of druma is drumaí; with the article, na drumaí means “the drums”. The genitive plural is drumaí, as in buíon drumaí (a drum band).
Does druma have more than one meaning?
Yes. Druma can mean drum or eardrum, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does druma change to dhruma or ndruma?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) druma becomes mo dhruma (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndruma (eclipsis).
What is the difference between a druma and a bodhrán?
A 'druma' is any drum, while a 'bodhrán' is the specific Irish frame drum played with a single stick in traditional music.
What do you call a drummer in Irish?
A drummer is a 'drumadóir', and to play the drums is 'na drumaí a sheinm'.
