Guild in Irish (Cuallacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for guild?

The Irish for guild is cuallacht (pronounced “KOO-uh-lukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cuallachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean company.

Q: What is the plural of guild in Irish?

The plural of cuallacht is cuallachtaí; with the article, na cuallachtaí means “the guilds”. The genitive plural is cuallachtaí, as in stair na gcuallachtaí (the history of the guilds).

Q: Does cuallacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cuallacht can mean guild or company, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “guild” in Irish

Irish:: cuallacht
English:: guild, company
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “KOO-uh-lukht” /ˈkuəl̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: cuallachtaí (guilds)
Genitive singular:: cuallachta, na cuallachta (e.g. halla na cuallachta, the guild hall)
Genitive plural:: cuallachtaí, na gcuallachtaí (e.g. stair na gcuallachtaí, the history of the guilds)

What does “cuallacht” mean?

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

guild: An association of people in the same trade or craft, especially a medieval one.Also: craft guild, fraternity.

1 other meaning: company

2company: A body of people associated together; a fellowship or corporation.Also: fellowship, corporation, association.

“Cuallacht” with the article

The plural of guild in Irish is cuallachtaí. Here is cuallacht after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chuallacht

the guild

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na cuallachtaí

the guilds

Plural: no change after na

“Cuallacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cuallacht, the Irish word for guild.

Bhí cuallacht láidir ag na ceardaithe sa chathair.

The craftsmen had a strong guild in the city.

Bhunaigh na ceannaithe cuallacht nua.

The merchants founded a new guild.

Bhí sé ina bhall den chuallacht ar feadh blianta.

He was a member of the guild for years.

Bhí rialacha dochta ag an gcuallacht.

The guild had strict rules.

Tháinig baill na cuallachta le chéile.

The members of the guild met together.

Bhí cuallachtaí ann i ngach baile mór meánaoiseach.

There were guilds in every medieval town.

Foghlaimímid faoi na cuallachtaí ar scoil.

We learn about the guilds at school.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Guild in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for guild?

The Irish for guild is cuallacht (pronounced “KOO-uh-lukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cuallachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean company.

How do you pronounce cuallacht in Irish?

Cuallacht is said like “KOO-uh-lukht” (IPA /ˈkuəl̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of guild in Irish?

The plural of cuallacht is cuallachtaí; with the article, na cuallachtaí means “the guilds”. The genitive plural is cuallachtaí, as in stair na gcuallachtaí (the history of the guilds).

Does cuallacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cuallacht can mean guild or company, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cuallacht change to chuallacht or gcuallacht?

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

Is 'cuallacht' the word for a business company?

No, a business company is usually 'comhlacht'; 'cuallacht' means a guild or fellowship, mostly in historical contexts.

Guild in Irish (Cuallacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage