Lead in Irish (Luaidhe): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for lead?

The Irish for lead is luaidhe (pronounced “LOO-ee-uh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is luaidheanna. Depending on context it can also mean lead weight or pencil lead.

Q: What is the plural of lead in Irish?

The plural of luaidhe is luaidheanna; with the article, na luaidheanna means “the leads”. The genitive plural is luaidheanna, as in meáchan na luaidheanna (the weight of the leads).

Q: Does luaidhe have more than one meaning?

Yes. Luaidhe can mean lead, lead weight or pencil lead, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “lead” in Irish

Irish:: luaidhe
English:: lead, lead weight, pencil lead
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “LOO-ee-uh” /ˈl̪ˠuːiə/

Various forms

Plural:: luaidheanna (leads)
Genitive singular:: luaidhe, na luaidhe (e.g. peann luaidhe, pencil)
Genitive plural:: luaidheanna, na luaidheanna (e.g. meáchan na luaidheanna, the weight of the leads)

What does “luaidhe” mean?

“Luaidhe” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

lead: A heavy, soft, bluish-grey metal.Also: lead metal, pb.

2 other meanings: lead weight or pencil lead

2lead weight: A piece of lead used as a weight, such as a sinker on a fishing line or a sounding lead at sea.Also: sinker, plummet, sounding lead.
3pencil lead: The thin stick of graphite inside a pencil.Also: lead, graphite.

Other Irish words for lead: treoraigh (guide)

“Luaidhe” with the article

The plural of lead in Irish is luaidheanna. Here is luaidhe after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an luaidhe

the lead

No change after an

na luaidheanna

the leads

Plural: no change after na

“Luaidhe” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using luaidhe, the Irish word for lead.

Tá luaidhe an-trom agus an-bhog.

Lead is very heavy and very soft.

Bhí an luaidhe sna seanphíopaí contúirteach.

The lead in the old pipes was dangerous.

Tabhair dhá pheann luaidhe dúinn, le do thoil.

Give us two pencils, please.

Chuir sé luaidhe ar an dorú.

He put a sinker on the fishing line.

Bhris an luaidhe i mo pheann.

The lead broke in my pencil.

Tá luaidhe nua ag teastáil don pheann seo.

This pencil needs new lead.

Tá nimh luaidhe an-dainséarach do pháistí.

Lead poisoning is very dangerous for children.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

uachtaránpresident leaganversion cinneadhdeciding cinneadhdecision aithneacquaintance codladhsleep

Lead in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for lead?

The Irish for lead is luaidhe (pronounced “LOO-ee-uh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is luaidheanna. Depending on context it can also mean lead weight or pencil lead.

How do you pronounce luaidhe in Irish?

Luaidhe is said like “LOO-ee-uh” (IPA /ˈl̪ˠuːiə/).

What is the plural of lead in Irish?

The plural of luaidhe is luaidheanna; with the article, na luaidheanna means “the leads”. The genitive plural is luaidheanna, as in meáchan na luaidheanna (the weight of the leads).

Does luaidhe have more than one meaning?

Yes. Luaidhe can mean lead, lead weight or pencil lead, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say 'pencil' in Irish?

A pencil is 'peann luaidhe', literally 'pen of lead'; the plural is 'pinn luaidhe'.

Is 'luaidhe' related to the English verb 'to lead'?

No, 'luaidhe' only means the metal lead; leading someone is 'treorú' or 'stiúradh'.

Lead in Irish (Luaidhe): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage