Icon in Irish (Deilbhín): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for icon?

The Irish for icon is deilbhín (pronounced “JEL-uh-veen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is deilbhíní. Depending on context it can also mean statuette.

Q: What is the plural of icon in Irish?

The plural of deilbhín is deilbhíní; with the article, na deilbhíní means “the icons”. The genitive plural is deilbhíní, as in sraith na ndeilbhíní (the row of icons).

Q: Does deilbhín have more than one meaning?

Yes. Deilbhín can mean icon or statuette, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “icon” in Irish

Irish:: deilbhín
English:: icon, statuette
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “JEL-uh-veen” /ˈdʲɛlʲəvʲiːnʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: deilbhíní (icons)
Genitive singular:: deilbhín, an deilbhín (e.g. méid an deilbhín, the size of the icon)
Genitive plural:: deilbhíní, na ndeilbhíní (e.g. sraith na ndeilbhíní, the row of icons)

What does “deilbhín” mean?

“Deilbhín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

icon: A small picture on a computer or phone screen that you click or tap to open a program or file.Also: computer icon, desktop icon, app icon.

1 other meaning: statuette

2statuette: A small statue or figure, a little image.Also: figurine, small statue, little image.

“Deilbhín” with the article

The plural of icon in Irish is deilbhíní. Here is deilbhín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an deilbhín

the icon

No change after an

na deilbhíní

the icons

Plural: no change after na

“Deilbhín” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using deilbhín, the Irish word for icon.

Cliceáil ar an deilbhín sin.

Click on that icon.

Tá deilbhín nua ar an scáileán.

There's a new icon on the screen.

Ní féidir liom an deilbhín a fháil.

I can't find the icon.

Tá an iomarca deilbhíní ar mo dheasc.

There are too many icons on my desktop.

Bhog sí na deilbhíní go dtí an fillteán.

She moved the icons into the folder.

Athraigh méid an deilbhín sna socruithe.

Change the size of the icon in the settings.

Cheannaigh mé deilbhín beag cré sa mhargadh.

I bought a little clay figurine at the market.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Icon in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for icon?

The Irish for icon is deilbhín (pronounced “JEL-uh-veen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is deilbhíní. Depending on context it can also mean statuette.

How do you pronounce deilbhín in Irish?

Deilbhín is said like “JEL-uh-veen” (IPA /ˈdʲɛlʲəvʲiːnʲ/).

What is the plural of icon in Irish?

The plural of deilbhín is deilbhíní; with the article, na deilbhíní means “the icons”. The genitive plural is deilbhíní, as in sraith na ndeilbhíní (the row of icons).

Does deilbhín have more than one meaning?

Yes. Deilbhín can mean icon or statuette, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does deilbhín change to dheilbhín or ndeilbhín?

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

How is deilbhín related to dealbh?

Deilbhín is the diminutive of dealbh 'statue', so it literally means 'little image', and it is now the usual word for a computer icon.

Icon in Irish (Deilbhín): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage