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Knight in Irish (Ridire): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘ridire’ also means: knight (chess)

The Irish for knight is ridire, a masculine noun (plural ridirí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “knight” in Irish

Irish:
ridire
English:
knight, knight (chess)
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“RID-ir-eh”  /ˈɾʲɪdʲəɾʲə/
Various forms
Plural:
ridirí (knights)
Genitive singular:
ridire, an ridire (e.g. claíomh an ridire, the knight's sword)
Genitive plural:
ridirí, na ridirí (e.g. scéalta na ridirí, the stories of the knights)

What does “ridire” mean?

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

knight
A man given a noble military rank, especially a mounted soldier in medieval times or someone honoured with a knighthood.Also: chevalier, sir.
1 other meaning: knight (chess)
2knight (chess)
The chess piece shaped like a horse's head.Also: knight, chess knight, horse.

“Ridire” with the article

The plural of knight in Irish is ridirí. Here is ridire after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an ridire
the knight
No change after an
na ridirí
the knights
Plural: no change after na

“Ridire” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ridire, the Irish word for knight.

Bhí ridire cróga ina chónaí sa chaisleán.
A brave knight lived in the castle.
Chuaigh an ridire ar a chapall bán.
The knight got on his white horse.
Bhí armúr an ridire ag lonrú sa ghrian.
The knight's armour was shining in the sun.
Léigh mé leabhar faoi ridirí an Bhoird Chruinn.
I read a book about the Knights of the Round Table.
Bhog sí a ridire trasna an chláir fichille.
She moved her knight across the chessboard.
Rinneadh ridire de i ndiaidh an chogaidh.
He was knighted after the war.
Tháinig an ridire chun an banphrionsa a shábháil.
The knight came to save the princess.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Knight in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for knight?

The Irish for knight is ridire (pronounced “RID-ir-eh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ridirí. Depending on context it can also mean knight (chess).

How do you pronounce ridire in Irish?

Ridire is said like “RID-ir-eh” (IPA /ˈɾʲɪdʲəɾʲə/).

What is the plural of knight in Irish?

The plural of ridire is ridirí; with the article, na ridirí means “the knights”. The genitive plural is ridirí, as in scéalta na ridirí (the stories of the knights).

Does ridire have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ridire can mean knight or knight (chess), depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the word for knighthood or chivalry?

Use 'ridireacht', which covers both the rank of knight and the ideals of chivalry; the adjective is 'ridiriúil', chivalrous.

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