Gymnast in Irish (Gleacaí): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for gymnast?

The Irish for gymnast is gleacaí (pronounced “GLAK-ee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gleacaithe. Depending on context it can also mean wrestler or trickster.

Q: What is the plural of gymnast in Irish?

The plural of gleacaí is gleacaithe; with the article, na gleacaithe means “the gymnasts”. The genitive plural is gleacaithe, as in traenálaí na ngleacaithe (the gymnasts' coach).

Q: Does gleacaí have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gleacaí can mean gymnast, wrestler or trickster, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “gymnast” in Irish

Irish:: gleacaí
English:: gymnast, wrestler, trickster
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “GLAK-ee” /ˈɡʲlʲakiː/

Various forms

Plural:: gleacaithe (gymnasts)
Genitive singular:: gleacaí, an ghleacaí (e.g. scileanna an ghleacaí, the gymnast's skills)
Genitive plural:: gleacaithe, na ngleacaithe (e.g. traenálaí na ngleacaithe, the gymnasts' coach)

What does “gleacaí” mean?

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

gymnast: A person who performs gymnastics or acrobatic exercises.Also: acrobat, tumbler.

2 other meanings: wrestler or trickster

2wrestler: A person who wrestles, a fighter or contender.Also: fighter, contender.
3trickster: A clever, crafty person who is good at tricks or getting their own way.Also: crafty person, rogue.

“Gleacaí” with the article

The plural of gymnast in Irish is gleacaithe. Here is gleacaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an gleacaí

the gymnast

No change after an

na gleacaithe

the gymnasts

Plural: no change after na

“Gleacaí” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gleacaí, the Irish word for gymnast.

Is gleacaí iontach í mo dheirfiúr.

My sister is a wonderful gymnast.

Bhuaigh an gleacaí bonn óir inné.

The gymnast won a gold medal yesterday.

Bhí lucht féachana mór ag na gleacaithe.

The gymnasts had a big audience.

Thit an gleacaí den bhíoma ach níor gortaíodh í.

The gymnast fell off the beam but wasn't hurt.

Ba mhaith le mo mhac a bheith ina ghleacaí.

My son would like to be a gymnast.

Tá cóitseálaí an ghleacaí an-dian.

The gymnast's coach is very strict.

Is gleacaí ceart é, ní féidir breith air.

He's a real trickster, you can't catch him out.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

tráebb measrespect scilskill inisisland MáireMary raonrange

Gymnast in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for gymnast?

The Irish for gymnast is gleacaí (pronounced “GLAK-ee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gleacaithe. Depending on context it can also mean wrestler or trickster.

How do you pronounce gleacaí in Irish?

Gleacaí is said like “GLAK-ee” (IPA /ˈɡʲlʲakiː/).

What is the plural of gymnast in Irish?

The plural of gleacaí is gleacaithe; with the article, na gleacaithe means “the gymnasts”. The genitive plural is gleacaithe, as in traenálaí na ngleacaithe (the gymnasts' coach).

Does gleacaí have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gleacaí can mean gymnast, wrestler or trickster, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gleacaí change to ghleacaí or ngleacaí?

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

What is the word for gymnastics?

Gymnastics is 'gleacaíocht', and a gymnast is 'gleacaí'.

Can 'gleacaí' describe a person's character?

Yes, informally 'gleacaí' can mean a crafty, tricky person, similar to 'cleasaí'.

Gymnast in Irish (Gleacaí): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage