Edge in Irish (Ciumhais): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for edge?

The Irish for edge is ciumhais (pronounced “kyoosh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ciumhaiseanna. Depending on context it can also mean hem or outskirts.

Q: What is the plural of edge in Irish?

The plural of ciumhais is ciumhaiseanna; with the article, na ciumhaiseanna means “the edges”. The genitive plural is ciumhaiseanna, as in fad na gciumhaiseanna (the length of the edges).

Q: Does ciumhais have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ciumhais can mean edge, hem or outskirts, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “edge” in Irish

Irish:: ciumhais
English:: edge, hem, outskirts
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “kyoosh” /cuːʃ/

Various forms

Plural:: ciumhaiseanna (edges)
Genitive singular:: ciumhaise, na ciumhaise (e.g. fad na ciumhaise, the length of the edge)
Genitive plural:: ciumhaiseanna, na gciumhaiseanna (e.g. fad na gciumhaiseanna, the length of the edges)

What does “ciumhais” mean?

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

edge: The outer edge or border of something, such as a table, road or field.Also: border, verge, rim, margin.

2 other meanings: hem or outskirts

2hem: A border or edging on cloth or a garment, such as a hem or fringe.Also: edging, fringe, selvage.
3outskirts: The outer edge of a place such as a town or wood.Also: fringe, periphery.

Other Irish words for edge: imeall (edge), faobhar (edge), colbha (edge)

“Ciumhais” with the article

The plural of edge in Irish is ciumhaiseanna. Here is ciumhais after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chiumhais

the edge

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na ciumhaiseanna

the edges

Plural: no change after na

“Ciumhais” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ciumhais, the Irish word for edge.

Ná suigh ar chiumhais an bhoird.

Don't sit on the edge of the table.

Tá ciumhais ghéar ar an scian sin.

That knife has a sharp edge.

Shiúil sé ar chiumhais an bhóthair.

He walked along the edge of the road.

Tá na ciumhaiseanna stróicthe ar an seanbhrat.

The edges of the old rug are torn.

Cuir ciumhais nua ar mo sciorta, le do thoil.

Put a new hem on my skirt, please.

Tá cónaí orainn ar chiumhais an bhaile.

We live on the outskirts of the town.

Fág spás ag ciumhais an leathanaigh.

Leave space at the edge of the page.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

móránmuch aimsirweather tuairimopinion faisnéisinformation muintirfamily stairhistory

Edge in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for edge?

The Irish for edge is ciumhais (pronounced “kyoosh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ciumhaiseanna. Depending on context it can also mean hem or outskirts.

How do you pronounce ciumhais in Irish?

Ciumhais is said like “kyoosh” (IPA /cuːʃ/).

What is the plural of edge in Irish?

The plural of ciumhais is ciumhaiseanna; with the article, na ciumhaiseanna means “the edges”. The genitive plural is ciumhaiseanna, as in fad na gciumhaiseanna (the length of the edges).

Does ciumhais have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ciumhais can mean edge, hem or outskirts, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does ciumhais change to chiumhais or gciumhais?

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

What is the difference between 'ciumhais' and 'imeall'?

Both mean edge or border; 'imeall' is more common for the margin or fringe of an area, while 'ciumhais' is often used for the edge of an object or the hem of cloth. For a blade's cutting edge use 'faobhar'.

Edge in Irish (Ciumhais): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage