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Knighthood in Irish (Ridireacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘ridireacht’ also means: chivalry

The Irish for knighthood is ridireacht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “knighthood” in Irish

Irish:
ridireacht
English:
knighthood, chivalry
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“RID-ir-ukht”  /ˈɾʲɪdʲəɾʲəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
ridireachta, na ridireachta (e.g. ord ridireachta, order of knighthood)

What does “ridireacht” mean?

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

knighthood
The rank or title of a knight.Also: rank of knight, title of knight.
1 other meaning: chivalry
2chivalry
The code of honourable and courteous behaviour associated with knights.Also: gallantry, knightly conduct.

“Ridireacht” with the article

Here is ridireacht after the article (an t-alt).

an ridireacht
the knighthood
No change after an

“Ridireacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ridireacht, the Irish word for knighthood.

Bronnadh ridireacht air as a chuid oibre.
He was given a knighthood for his work.
Dhiúltaigh sé don ridireacht a tairgeadh dó.
He refused the knighthood he was offered.
Is maith léi scéalta faoi ridireacht na meánaoiseanna.
She likes stories about medieval chivalry.
Ba é sin cód na ridireachta.
That was the code of chivalry.
Fuair sí ridireacht ón mBanríon anuraidh.
She received a knighthood from the Queen last year.
Tá an ridireacht imithe as an saol, a deir sé.
Chivalry has gone out of the world, he says.
Léigh mé leabhar ar stair na ridireachta.
I read a book on the history of chivalry.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Knighthood in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for knighthood?

The Irish for knighthood is ridireacht (pronounced “RID-ir-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean chivalry.

How do you pronounce ridireacht in Irish?

Ridireacht is said like “RID-ir-ukht” (IPA /ˈɾʲɪdʲəɾʲəxt̪ˠ/).

Does ridireacht have a plural?

No plural form is given for ridireacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does ridireacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ridireacht can mean knighthood or chivalry, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How is 'ridireacht' related to 'ridire'?

'Ridireacht' is formed from 'ridire' (knight) with the abstract suffix '-acht', so it means the state or qualities of a knight: knighthood or chivalry.

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