Feast in Irish (Coirm): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for feast?

The Irish for feast is coirm (pronounced “KIR-im”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is coirmeacha. Depending on context it can also mean ale.

Q: What is the plural of feast in Irish?

The plural of coirm is coirmeacha; with the article, na coirmeacha means “the feasts”. The genitive plural is coirmeacha, as in cuimhne na gcoirmeacha (the memory of the feasts).

Q: Does coirm have more than one meaning?

Yes. Coirm can mean feast or ale, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “feast” in Irish

Irish:: coirm
English:: feast, ale
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “KIR-im” /ˈkɨɾʲəmʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: coirmeacha (feasts)
Genitive singular:: coirme, na coirme (e.g. lucht na coirme, the people at the feast)
Genitive plural:: coirmeacha, na gcoirmeacha (e.g. cuimhne na gcoirmeacha, the memory of the feasts)

What does “coirm” mean?

“Coirm” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

feast: A festive gathering with plenty of food and drink; a banquet.Also: banquet, party, celebration.

1 other meaning: ale

2ale: An old word for ale or beer, mostly found in older and literary Irish.Also: beer, malt liquor.

Other Irish words for feast: féasta (feast), fleá (feast)

“Coirm” with the article

The plural of feast in Irish is coirmeacha. Here is coirm after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an choirm

the feast

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na coirmeacha

the feasts

Plural: no change after na

“Coirm” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using coirm, the Irish word for feast.

Bhí coirm mhór sa chaisleán aréir.

There was a great feast in the castle last night.

Thug an rí cuireadh dóibh chun na coirme.

The king invited them to the feast.

Bhí an choirm ar siúl go maidin.

The feast went on until morning.

Is minic a bhíodh coirmeacha ag na taoisigh.

The chieftains often held feasts.

D'ól siad coirm as cornaí óir.

They drank ale from golden horns.

Bhí ceol agus scéalta i rith na coirme.

There was music and storytelling during the feast.

Rinneadh coirm i ndiaidh na bainise.

A feast was held after the wedding.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Feast in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for feast?

The Irish for feast is coirm (pronounced “KIR-im”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is coirmeacha. Depending on context it can also mean ale.

How do you pronounce coirm in Irish?

Coirm is said like “KIR-im” (IPA /ˈkɨɾʲəmʲ/).

What is the plural of feast in Irish?

The plural of coirm is coirmeacha; with the article, na coirmeacha means “the feasts”. The genitive plural is coirmeacha, as in cuimhne na gcoirmeacha (the memory of the feasts).

Does coirm have more than one meaning?

Yes. Coirm can mean feast or ale, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does coirm change to choirm or gcoirm?

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

How do I say 'concert' using coirm?

Use ceolchoirm or the phrase coirm cheoil; both mean a concert, and ceolchoirm is the usual modern word.

Is coirm the everyday word for a party?

No, for a party today people say cóisir, and for a feast féasta or fleá; coirm is mainly literary or historical on its own.

Feast in Irish (Coirm): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage