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Gravel in Irish (Gairbhéal): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

The Irish for gravel is gairbhéal, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “gravel” in Irish

Irish:
gairbhéal
English:
gravel
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“GAR-uv-ail”  /ˈɡaɾʲəvʲeːl/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
gairbhéil, an ghairbhéil (e.g. carn gairbhéil, a heap of gravel)

What does “gairbhéal” mean?

gravel
Small loose stones used for paths, driveways and building work.Also: grit, small stones, shingle.

“Gairbhéal” with the article

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

an gairbhéal
the gravel
No change after an

“Gairbhéal” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gairbhéal, the Irish word for gravel.

Tá gairbhéal ar an gcosán os comhair an tí.
There's gravel on the path in front of the house.
Chuala mé an carr ag teacht ar an ngairbhéal.
I heard the car coming over the gravel.
Cheannaíomar leoraí gairbhéil don chabhsa.
We bought a lorry load of gravel for the driveway.
Bhí sí ag ciceáil an ghairbhéil ar an gcosán.
She was kicking the gravel on the path.
Thit an páiste agus ghearr sé a ghlúin sa ghairbhéal.
The child fell and cut his knee on the gravel.
Scaip an gairbhéal go cothrom ar an talamh.
Spread the gravel evenly on the ground.
Is maith liom fuaim an ghairbhéil faoi mo chosa.
I like the sound of the gravel under my feet.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Gravel in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for gravel?

The Irish for gravel is gairbhéal (pronounced “GAR-uv-ail”). It’s a masculine noun.

How do you pronounce gairbhéal in Irish?

Gairbhéal is said like “GAR-uv-ail” (IPA /ˈɡaɾʲəvʲeːl/).

Does gairbhéal have a plural?

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

Why does gairbhéal change to ghairbhéal or ngairbhéal?

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

What is the difference between 'gairbhéal' and 'grean'?

Both can mean gravel or grit; 'gairbhéal' is the usual word for gravel on paths and driveways, while 'grean' often suggests coarse sand or grit, as on a beach or riverbed.

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