Handful in Irish (Dornán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for handful?

The Irish for handful is dornán (pronounced “DOOR-nawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dornáin. Depending on context it can also mean small number or bunch.

Q: What is the plural of handful in Irish?

The plural of dornán is dornáin; with the article, na dornáin means “the handfuls”. The genitive plural is dornán, as in cúpla dornán (a couple of handfuls).

Q: Does dornán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dornán can mean handful, small number or bunch, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “handful” in Irish

Irish:: dornán
English:: handful, small number, bunch
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “DOOR-nawn” /ˈd̪ˠoːɾˠn̪ˠɑːnˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: dornáin (handfuls)
Genitive singular:: dornáin, an dornáin (e.g. méid an dornáin, the size of the handful)
Genitive plural:: dornán, na ndornán (e.g. cúpla dornán, a couple of handfuls)

What does “dornán” mean?

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

handful: The amount you can hold in one hand.Also: fistful, hand.

2 other meanings: small number or bunch

2small number: A small number or amount of people or things.Also: few, small amount, handful.
3bunch: A small bundle or sheaf of things held or tied together, such as corn or flowers.Also: sheaf, bundle.

Other Irish words for handful: mám (handful), slám (handful)

“Dornán” with the article

The plural of handful in Irish is dornáin. Here is dornán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an dornán

the handful

No change after an

na dornáin

the handfuls

Plural: no change after na

“Dornán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using dornán, the Irish word for handful.

Thug sé dornán milseán do na páistí.

He gave the children a handful of sweets.

Ní raibh ach dornán daoine ag an gcruinniú.

There were only a handful of people at the meeting.

Cuir dornán salainn san uisce.

Put a handful of salt in the water.

Bhí an dornán beag airgid caite aige faoin Aoine.

He had spent the little bit of money by Friday.

Bhí mo dhornán lán de chlocha beaga.

My fist was full of little stones.

Thóg sí dornáin mhóra coirce ón mála.

She took big handfuls of oats from the bag.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Handful in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for handful?

The Irish for handful is dornán (pronounced “DOOR-nawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dornáin. Depending on context it can also mean small number or bunch.

How do you pronounce dornán in Irish?

Dornán is said like “DOOR-nawn” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠoːɾˠn̪ˠɑːnˠ/).

What is the plural of handful in Irish?

The plural of dornán is dornáin; with the article, na dornáin means “the handfuls”. The genitive plural is dornán, as in cúpla dornán (a couple of handfuls).

Does dornán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dornán can mean handful, small number or bunch, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does dornán change to dhornán or ndornán?

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

How is 'dornán' related to 'dorn'?

'Dorn' means a fist, and 'dornán' is what a fist holds, a handful. 'Mám' is a double handful.

Handful in Irish (Dornán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage