HeyRuaHow to say “lace” in Irish
- Irish:
- iall
- English:
- lace, leash, thong, flock in line
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “ee-ul” /iəl̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- iallacha (laces)
- Genitive singular:
- éille, na héille (e.g. fad na héille, the length of the lace)
- Genitive plural:
- iallacha, na n-iallacha (e.g. ceangal na n-iallacha, the tying of the laces)
What does “iall” mean?
“Iall” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- lace
- A cord or thin strip used to tie a shoe or boot.Also: shoelace, bootlace, shoestring.
3 other meanings: leash or thong or flock in line
- 2leash
- A cord, strap or chain used to lead or hold a dog or other animal.Also: lead, dog lead.
- 3thong
- A narrow strip of leather used for tying or fastening.Also: strap, leather strip.
- 4flock in line
- A string or line of birds flying one after another.Also: flock, line of birds, skein.
Other Irish words for lace: lása (lace), barriall (shoelace)
“Iall” with the article
The plural of lace in Irish is iallacha. Here is iall after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Iall” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using iall, the Irish word for lace.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lace in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lace?
The Irish for lace is iall (pronounced “ee-ul”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is iallacha. Depending on context it can also mean leash or thong or flock in line.
How do you pronounce iall in Irish?
Iall is said like “ee-ul” (IPA /iəl̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of lace in Irish?
The plural of iall is iallacha; with the article, na hiallacha means “the laces”. The genitive plural is iallacha, as in ceangal na n-iallacha (the tying of the laces).
Does iall have more than one meaning?
Yes. Iall can mean lace, leash, thong or flock in line, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does iall sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an iall (the lace), a hiall (her lace), a n-iall (their lace), na hiallacha (the laces).
What is the usual word for a shoelace?
Both 'iall bhróige' and 'barriall' are used; 'barriall' is very common in everyday speech.
Where does 'sail éille' (shillelagh) come from?
It literally means 'a stick with a thong', from the genitive 'éille', the strap attached to the stick.
