HeyRuaHow to say “elbow” in Irish
- Irish:
- uillinn
- English:
- elbow, angle, bend
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “IL-in” /ˈɪlʲənʲ/
- Plural:
- uillinneacha (elbows)
- Genitive singular:
- uillinne, na huillinne (e.g. cnámh na huillinne, the elbow bone)
- Genitive plural:
- uillinneacha, na n-uillinneacha (e.g. lúbadh na n-uillinneacha, the bending of the elbows)
What does “uillinn” mean?
“Uillinn” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- elbow
- The joint in the middle of the arm where it bends.Also: elbow joint, arm joint.
2 other meanings: angle or bend
- 2angle
- The space or corner between two lines or surfaces that meet, as measured in geometry.Also: corner, geometric angle.
- 3bend
- A sharp elbow-shaped turn or corner, for example in a road or pipe.Also: sharp turn, corner, elbow bend.
“Uillinn” with the article
The plural of elbow in Irish is uillinneacha. Here is uillinn after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Uillinn” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using uillinn, the Irish word for elbow.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Elbow in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for elbow?
The Irish for elbow is uillinn (pronounced “IL-in”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is uillinneacha. Depending on context it can also mean angle or bend.
How do you pronounce uillinn in Irish?
Uillinn is said like “IL-in” (IPA /ˈɪlʲənʲ/).
What is the plural of elbow in Irish?
The plural of uillinn is uillinneacha; with the article, na huillinneacha means “the elbows”. The genitive plural is uillinneacha, as in lúbadh na n-uillinneacha (the bending of the elbows).
Does uillinn have more than one meaning?
Yes. Uillinn can mean elbow, angle or bend, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does uillinn sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an uillinn (the elbow), a huillinn (her elbow), a n-uillinn (their elbow), na huillinneacha (the elbows).
Why is it 'píb uilleann' and not 'píb uillinne'?
'Uilleann' is an older genitive form preserved in set phrases like 'píb uilleann' (uilleann pipes) and 'cathaoir uilleann' (armchair); in ordinary use the genitive is 'uillinne'.
What is the difference between 'uillinn' and 'cúinne'?
'Uillinn' is an angle or elbow, while 'cúinne' is a corner of a room or street; for a geometric angle always use 'uillinn'.
