HeyRuaHow to say “hill” in Irish
- Irish:
- cnoc
- English:
- hill, heap
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “knuk” /kn̪ˠʊk/
- Plural:
- cnoic (hills)
- Genitive singular:
- cnoic, an chnoic (e.g. barr an chnoic, top of the hill)
- Genitive plural:
- cnoc, na gcnoc (e.g. muintir na gcnoc, the people of the hills)
What does “cnoc” mean?
“Cnoc” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- hill
- A raised area of land, smaller and lower than a mountain.Also: mount, hillock, height.
1 other meaning: heap
- 2heap
- A large pile or great amount of something, used figuratively.Also: pile, mound.
“Cnoc” with the article
The plural of hill in Irish is cnoic. Here is cnoc after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cnoc” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cnoc, the Irish word for hill.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Hill in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for hill?
The Irish for hill is cnoc (pronounced “knuk”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cnoic. Depending on context it can also mean heap.
How do you pronounce cnoc in Irish?
Cnoc is said like “knuk” (IPA /kn̪ˠʊk/).
What is the plural of hill in Irish?
The plural of cnoc is cnoic; with the article, na cnoic means “the hills”. The genitive plural is cnoc, as in muintir na gcnoc (the people of the hills).
Does cnoc have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cnoc can mean hill or heap, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cnoc change to chnoc or gcnoc?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cnoc becomes mo chnoc (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcnoc (eclipsis).
What is the difference between cnoc and sliabh?
A cnoc is a hill, while a sliabh is a mountain or high moorland. Many Irish place names use both, such as Cnoc Mhuire and Sliabh Dónairt.
Why do so many Irish place names start with 'Knock'?
'Knock' is the anglicised form of cnoc, so Knock in Mayo is Cnoc Mhuire, 'Mary's hill'.
