HeyRuaHow to say “holly” in Irish
- Irish:
- cuileann
- English:
- holly
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KIL-uhn” /ˈkɪlʲən̪ˠ/
Various forms
- Genitive singular:
- cuilinn, an chuilinn (e.g. duilleoga an chuilinn, the leaves of the holly)
What does “cuileann” mean?
- holly
- An evergreen shrub or tree with prickly dark green leaves and red berries, often used as a Christmas decoration.Also: holly tree, holly bush, ilex.
“Cuileann” with the article
Here is cuileann after the article (an t-alt).
an cuileann
the holly
No change after an
“Cuileann” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cuileann, the Irish word for holly.
Tá cuileann ag fás in aice an tí.
Holly is growing beside the house.
Chuir sí cuileann ar an doras um Nollaig.
She put holly on the door at Christmas.
Tá an cuileann lán de chaora dearga.
The holly is full of red berries.
Ghearr mé craobh chuilinn don bhord.
I cut a sprig of holly for the table.
Tá duilleoga an chuilinn an-ghéar.
The holly leaves are very sharp.
Bhí éan beag i bhfolach sa chuileann.
A little bird was hiding in the holly.
Is maith liom cuileann agus eidhneán sa teach.
I like holly and ivy in the house.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Holly in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for holly?
The Irish for holly is cuileann (pronounced “KIL-uhn”). It’s a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce cuileann in Irish?
Cuileann is said like “KIL-uhn” (IPA /ˈkɪlʲən̪ˠ/).
Does cuileann have a plural?
No plural form is given for cuileann in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does cuileann change to chuileann or gcuileann?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cuileann becomes mo chuileann (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcuileann (eclipsis).
How do I say 'a sprig of holly' in Irish?
Say 'craobh chuilinn', with the genitive 'cuilinn' lenited after the feminine noun 'craobh'.
Is 'cuileann' related to Christmas customs in Irish?
Yes, 'cuileann' is traditionally hung in houses at Christmas, along with 'eidhneán' (ivy).
