HeyRuaHow to say “flock” in Irish
- Irish:
- ealta
- English:
- flock, multitude
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AL-tuh” /ˈal̪ˠt̪ˠə/
- Plural:
- ealtaí (flocks)
- Genitive singular:
- ealta, na healta (e.g. eitilt na healta, the flight of the flock)
- Genitive plural:
- ealtaí, na n-ealtaí (e.g. imirce na n-ealtaí, the migration of the flocks)
What does “ealta” mean?
“Ealta” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- flock
- A group of birds flying or feeding together.Also: flock of birds, flight of birds, covey.
1 other meaning: multitude
- 2multitude
- A large moving group or crowd, figuratively like a flock of birds.Also: crowd, swarm, throng.
Other Irish words for flock: tréad (flock)
“Ealta” with the article
The plural of flock in Irish is ealtaí. Here is ealta after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ealta” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ealta, the Irish word for flock.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Flock in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for flock?
The Irish for flock is ealta (pronounced “AL-tuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ealtaí. Depending on context it can also mean multitude.
How do you pronounce ealta in Irish?
Ealta is said like “AL-tuh” (IPA /ˈal̪ˠt̪ˠə/).
What is the plural of flock in Irish?
The plural of ealta is ealtaí; with the article, na healtaí means “the flocks”. The genitive plural is ealtaí, as in imirce na n-ealtaí (the migration of the flocks).
Does ealta have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ealta can mean flock or multitude, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ealta sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an ealta (the flock), a healta (her flock), a n-ealta (their flock), na healtaí (the flocks).
What is the difference between 'ealta' and 'tréad'?
'Ealta' is used for a flock of birds, while 'tréad' is a flock or herd of animals such as sheep or cattle.
