Feasting in Irish (Cóisireacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for feasting?

The Irish for feasting is cóisireacht (pronounced “KOH-shir-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean visiting or coshering.

Q: Does cóisireacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cóisireacht can mean feasting, visiting or coshering, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “feasting” in Irish

Irish:: cóisireacht
English:: feasting, visiting, coshering
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “KOH-shir-ukht” /ˈkoːʃəɾʲəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: cóisireachta, na cóisireachta (e.g. oíche chóisireachta, a night of feasting)

What does “cóisireacht” mean?

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

feasting: Going to parties or feasts and enjoying food, drink and company.Also: partying, party-going, revelry.

2 other meanings: visiting or coshering

2visiting: Going around visiting neighbours' houses socially, especially for entertainment.Also: socialising, rambling.
3coshering: In history, the practice of a lord living at the expense of his tenants or followers by staying and feasting in their houses.Also: living on retainers, free quartering.

“Cóisireacht” with the article

Here is cóisireacht after the article (an t-alt).

an chóisireacht

the feasting

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Cóisireacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cóisireacht, the Irish word for feasting.

Bhí cóisireacht mhór ann i ndiaidh na bainise.

There was great feasting after the wedding.

Is maith leis an gcóisireacht thar aon rud eile.

He likes partying more than anything else.

Chaith siad an deireadh seachtaine ar fad ag cóisireacht.

They spent the whole weekend partying.

Tá mé tuirseach den chóisireacht anois.

I'm tired of all the partying now.

Bhí lucht cóisireachta ar na sráideanna go maidin.

Party-goers were on the streets until morning.

Ní raibh deireadh leis an gcóisireacht go dtí an Cháisc.

The feasting didn't end until Easter.

Bhíodh na tiarnaí ag cóisireacht ar a dtionóntaí fadó.

Long ago the lords used to live off their tenants by coshering.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

scéalstory saollife GaeltachtGaeltacht tírcountry airgeadmoney uairhour

Feasting in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for feasting?

The Irish for feasting is cóisireacht (pronounced “KOH-shir-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean visiting or coshering.

How do you pronounce cóisireacht in Irish?

Cóisireacht is said like “KOH-shir-ukht” (IPA /ˈkoːʃəɾʲəxt̪ˠ/).

Does cóisireacht have a plural?

No plural form is given for cóisireacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does cóisireacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cóisireacht can mean feasting, visiting or coshering, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cóisireacht change to chóisireacht or gcóisireacht?

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

What is the difference between 'cóisir' and 'cóisireacht'?

'Cóisir' is a single party or feast, while 'cóisireacht' is the activity of feasting or going to parties, often used as 'ag cóisireacht'.

Feasting in Irish (Cóisireacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage