HeyRuaHow to say “lamb” in Irish
- Irish:
- uaineoil
- English:
- lamb
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “OON-yohl” /ˈuənʲoːlʲ/
Various forms
- Genitive singular:
- uaineola, na huaineola (e.g. blas na huaineola, the taste of the lamb)
What does “uaineoil” mean?
- lamb
- The meat of a young sheep, eaten as food.Also: lamb meat.
Other Irish words for lamb: uan (lamb)
“Uaineoil” with the article
Here is uaineoil after the article (an t-alt).
an uaineoil
the lamb
No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an
“Uaineoil” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using uaineoil, the Irish word for lamb.
Bhí uaineoil againn don dinnéar Dé Domhnaigh.
We had lamb for dinner on Sunday.
Tá an uaineoil an-bhog inniu.
The lamb is very tender today.
Cheannaigh mé píosa uaineola sa siopa búistéara.
I bought a piece of lamb at the butcher's.
Is maith liom uaineoil rósta le hanlann miontais.
I like roast lamb with mint sauce.
Cuir an uaineoil san oigheann ar feadh dhá uair.
Put the lamb in the oven for two hours.
Rinne sí stobhach uaineola don teaghlach.
She made a lamb stew for the family.
Ní itheann mo dheartháir uaineoil ar chor ar bith.
My brother doesn't eat lamb at all.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lamb in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lamb?
The Irish for lamb is uaineoil (pronounced “OON-yohl”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce uaineoil in Irish?
Uaineoil is said like “OON-yohl” (IPA /ˈuənʲoːlʲ/).
Does uaineoil have a plural?
No plural form is given for uaineoil in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does uaineoil sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an uaineoil (the lamb), a huaineoil (her lamb), a n-uaineoil (their lamb).
What is the difference between 'uaineoil' and 'uan'?
'Uan' is the live animal, a lamb, while 'uaineoil' (uan + feoil) is the meat. Similarly 'caoireoil' is mutton.
