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Gymnastics in Irish (Gleacaíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘gleacaíocht’ also means: wrestling · trickery

The Irish for gymnastics is gleacaíocht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “gymnastics” in Irish

Irish:
gleacaíocht
English:
gymnastics, wrestling, trickery
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“GLAK-ee-ukht”  /ˈɟlʲakiːəxt̪/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
gleacaíochta, na gleacaíochta (e.g. club gleacaíochta, gymnastics club)

What does “gleacaíocht” mean?

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

gymnastics
The sport or activity of performing physical exercises that show strength, balance and agility.Also: gymnastic exercise, acrobatics.
2 other meanings: wrestling or trickery
2wrestling
The act or sport of wrestling or grappling with an opponent, an older sense linked to 'gleacaí'.Also: grappling, struggle.
3trickery
Clever, crafty or tricky behaviour, sharp practice.Also: craftiness, cunning, sharp practice.

“Gleacaíocht” with the article

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

an ghleacaíocht
the gymnastics
Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

“Gleacaíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gleacaíocht, the Irish word for gymnastics.

Is breá le m'iníon gleacaíocht.
My daughter loves gymnastics.
Bíonn an ghleacaíocht ar siúl sa halla spóirt.
Gymnastics takes place in the sports hall.
Téann sé chuig ranganna gleacaíochta gach Satharn.
He goes to gymnastics classes every Saturday.
Bhuaigh sí bonn óir sa ghleacaíocht.
She won a gold medal in gymnastics.
Tá an ghleacaíocht an-dian ar an gcorp.
Gymnastics is very hard on the body.
Rinne siad gleacaíocht ar an urlár.
They did gymnastics on the floor.
Ní raibh ann ach gleacaíocht pholaitiúil.
It was nothing but political trickery.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Gymnastics in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for gymnastics?

The Irish for gymnastics is gleacaíocht (pronounced “GLAK-ee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wrestling or trickery.

How do you pronounce gleacaíocht in Irish?

Gleacaíocht is said like “GLAK-ee-ukht” (IPA /ˈɟlʲakiːəxt̪/).

Does gleacaíocht have a plural?

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

Does gleacaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gleacaíocht can mean gymnastics, wrestling or trickery, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gleacaíocht change to ghleacaíocht or ngleacaíocht?

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

What is a gymnast called in Irish?

A gymnast is 'gleacaí', and the sport is 'gleacaíocht'.

Is 'gleacaíocht' the same as 'lúthchleasaíocht'?

No: 'gleacaíocht' is gymnastics, while 'lúthchleasaíocht' is athletics such as running and jumping.

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