HeyRuaHow to say “hole” in Irish
- Irish:
- toll
- English:
- hole, hollow place, backside
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “towl” /t̪ˠəul̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- toill (holes)
- Genitive singular:
- toill, an toill (e.g. méid an toill, the size of the hole)
- Genitive plural:
- toll, na dtoll (e.g. líon na dtoll, the number of the holes)
What does “toll” mean?
“Toll” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- hole
- An opening or gap that goes into or through something.Also: opening, perforation, cavity.
2 other meanings: hollow place or backside
- 2hollow place
- A sunken or hollowed-out space in something, such as a cavity.Also: cavity, pit.
- 3backside
- The bottom or buttocks of a person; also the anus.Also: bottom, buttocks, posterior, anus.
Other Irish words for hole: poll (hole)
The same spelling has its own page as:
“Toll” with the article
The plural of hole in Irish is toill. Here is toll after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Toll” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using toll, the Irish word for hole.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Hole in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for hole?
The Irish for hole is toll (pronounced “towl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is toill. Depending on context it can also mean hollow place or backside.
How do you pronounce toll in Irish?
Toll is said like “towl” (IPA /t̪ˠəul̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of hole in Irish?
The plural of toll is toill; with the article, na toill means “the holes”. The genitive plural is toll, as in líon na dtoll (the number of the holes).
Does toll have more than one meaning?
Yes. Toll can mean hole, hollow place or backside, depending on context; the first is the most common. Toll also has its own entry as an adjective meaning hollow. Toll also has its own entry as a verb meaning to bore.
Why does toll change to tholl or dtoll?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) toll becomes mo tholl (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtoll (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'toll' and 'poll'?
Both mean hole; 'poll' is the more common everyday word, while 'toll' often suggests a hole bored or pierced through something.
Is 'toll' related to 'tollán'?
Yes, 'tollán' (tunnel) is built from 'toll', a hole bored through.
