Fork in Irish (Gabhal): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for fork?

The Irish for fork is gabhal (pronounced “gowl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gabhail. Depending on context it can also mean crotch or forked stick.

Q: What is the plural of fork in Irish?

The plural of gabhal is gabhail; with the article, na gabhail means “the forks”. The genitive plural is gabhal, as in barr na ngabhal (the tops of the forks).

Q: Does gabhal have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gabhal can mean fork, crotch or forked stick, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “fork” in Irish

Irish:: gabhal
English:: fork, crotch, forked stick
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “gowl” /ɡaulˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: gabhail (forks)
Genitive singular:: gabhail, an ghabhail (e.g. ag barr an ghabhail, at the top of the fork)
Genitive plural:: gabhal, na ngabhal (e.g. barr na ngabhal, the tops of the forks)

What does “gabhal” mean?

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

fork: A point where something divides into two branches, such as a road, river or tree.Also: branch, junction, bifurcation.

2 other meanings: crotch or forked stick

2crotch: The part of the body where the legs join, or the corresponding part of trousers.Also: fork of the legs, groin.
3forked stick: A forked piece of wood or a forked support, such as a prop or the fork of a bicycle.Also: prop, bicycle fork.

Other Irish words for fork: gabhlóg (fork), forc (fork)

“Gabhal” with the article

The plural of fork in Irish is gabhail. Here is gabhal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an gabhal

the fork

No change after an

na gabhail

the forks

Plural: no change after na

“Gabhal” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gabhal, the Irish word for fork.

Cas ar chlé ag an ngabhal sa bhóthar.

Turn left at the fork in the road.

Tá gabhal mór sa chrann sin.

There is a big fork in that tree.

Shuigh an páiste i ngabhal an chrainn.

The child sat in the fork of the tree.

Tá poll i ngabhal mo bhríste.

There is a hole in the crotch of my trousers.

Bhí dhá ghabhal ar an abhainn ansin.

The river had two forks there.

Fuair sé gabhal nua don rothar.

He got a new fork for the bike.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Fork in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for fork?

The Irish for fork is gabhal (pronounced “gowl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gabhail. Depending on context it can also mean crotch or forked stick.

How do you pronounce gabhal in Irish?

Gabhal is said like “gowl” (IPA /ɡaulˠ/).

What is the plural of fork in Irish?

The plural of gabhal is gabhail; with the article, na gabhail means “the forks”. The genitive plural is gabhal, as in barr na ngabhal (the tops of the forks).

Does gabhal have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gabhal can mean fork, crotch or forked stick, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gabhal change to ghabhal or ngabhal?

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

What is the difference between gabhal and gabhlóg?

Gabhal is a fork or branching point, as in a road or tree, while gabhlóg is a small fork or forked stick, such as a catapult frame.

Is gabhal the same as the verb gabháil?

No, gabháil is the verbal noun of gabh, meaning taking or going, and is unrelated in meaning to gabhal, a fork.

Fork in Irish (Gabhal): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage