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Lip in Irish (Liopa): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘liopa’ also means: flap · lobe

The Irish for lip is liopa, a masculine noun (plural liopaí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “lip” in Irish

Irish:
liopa
English:
lip, flap, lobe
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“LYIP-uh”  /ˈlʲɪpˠə/
Various forms
Plural:
liopaí (lips)
Genitive singular:
liopa, an liopa (e.g. imeall an liopa, the edge of the lip)
Genitive plural:
liopaí, na liopaí (e.g. cneasú na liopaí, the healing of the lips)

What does “liopa” mean?

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

lip
A lip, especially a large or hanging lip; also used of a person who blubbers or sulks.Also: hanging lip, blubber lip, pout.
2 other meanings: flap or lobe
2flap
A loose hanging piece of something, such as a flap, tag or lapel.Also: tag, lapel, shred.
3lobe
A rounded hanging part of an organ, such as the lobe of the ear.Also: ear lobe.

“Liopa” with the article

The plural of lip in Irish is liopaí. Here is liopa after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an liopa
the lip
No change after an
na liopaí
the lips
Plural: no change after na

“Liopa” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using liopa, the Irish word for lip.

Tá liopa air ó mhaidin.
He has been sulking since morning.
Chuir sí liopa uirthi féin nuair a dúradh léi é.
She pouted when she was told.
Bhí an liopa ata tar éis an bhuille.
The lip was swollen after the blow.
Gortaíodh liopa a chluaise sa troid.
His ear lobe was injured in the fight.
Tá liopaí ar an mála seo.
This bag has flaps.
Bhí poll i mo liopa cluaise.
There was a hole in my ear lobe.
Ghearr sé imeall an liopa le siosúr.
He cut the edge of the flap with scissors.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Lip in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for lip?

The Irish for lip is liopa (pronounced “LYIP-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is liopaí. Depending on context it can also mean flap or lobe.

How do you pronounce liopa in Irish?

Liopa is said like “LYIP-uh” (IPA /ˈlʲɪpˠə/).

What is the plural of lip in Irish?

The plural of liopa is liopaí; with the article, na liopaí means “the lips”. The genitive plural is liopaí, as in cneasú na liopaí (the healing of the lips).

Does liopa have more than one meaning?

Yes. Liopa can mean lip, flap or lobe, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Is liopa the normal word for lip?

No, the normal word is 'beol' (plural 'beola'); 'liopa' suggests a big hanging lip or a sulky pout, as in 'Tá liopa air'.

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