Litter in Irish (Cuain): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for litter?

The Irish for litter is cuain (pronounced “koo-in”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cuaineanna. Depending on context it can also mean pack.

Q: What is the plural of litter in Irish?

The plural of cuain is cuaineanna; with the article, na cuaineanna means “the litters”. The genitive plural is cuaineanna, as in peataí na gcuaineanna (the pets of the litters).

Q: Does cuain have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cuain can mean litter or pack, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “litter” in Irish

Irish:: cuain
English:: litter, pack
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “koo-in” /kuənʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: cuaineanna (litters)
Genitive singular:: cuaine, na cuaine (e.g. peata na cuaine, the pet of the litter)
Genitive plural:: cuaineanna, na gcuaineanna (e.g. peataí na gcuaineanna, the pets of the litters)

What does “cuain” mean?

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

litter: A number of young animals born to one mother at the same time.Also: brood, young, offspring.

1 other meaning: pack

2pack: A group or band of animals or people, such as a pack of wolves or a troop of followers.Also: band, company, troop.

Other Irish words for litter: ál (litter), bruscar (rubbish)

“Cuain” with the article

The plural of litter in Irish is cuaineanna. Here is cuain after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chuain

the litter

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na cuaineanna

the litters

Plural: no change after na

“Cuain” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cuain, the Irish word for litter.

Bhí cuain bhreá coileán ag an ngadhar.

The dog had a fine litter of pups.

Rugadh an chuain aréir sa scioból.

The litter was born last night in the barn.

Is é an ceann is lú den chuain é.

He is the smallest of the litter.

Thug sí coileán dom as an gcuain.

She gave me a pup from the litter.

Tá an mhuc tar éis dhá chuain a bheith aici i mbliana.

The sow has had two litters this year.

Bhí cuain mhac tíre ag fiach sa choill.

A pack of wolves was hunting in the wood.

Bíonn cuaineanna móra ag na muca seo.

These pigs have big litters.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

áisfacility seanschance leibhéallevel seoladhaddress grúpagroup corturn

Litter in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for litter?

The Irish for litter is cuain (pronounced “koo-in”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cuaineanna. Depending on context it can also mean pack.

How do you pronounce cuain in Irish?

Cuain is said like “koo-in” (IPA /kuənʲ/).

What is the plural of litter in Irish?

The plural of cuain is cuaineanna; with the article, na cuaineanna means “the litters”. The genitive plural is cuaineanna, as in peataí na gcuaineanna (the pets of the litters).

Does cuain have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cuain can mean litter or pack, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cuain change to chuain or gcuain?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cuain becomes mo chuain (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcuain (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'cuain' and 'ál'?

Both can mean a litter or brood; 'ál' is the more common everyday word, especially for chicks, while 'cuain' is used particularly for pups and piglets.

Is 'cuain' related to 'cuan' (harbour)?

No, 'cuain' meaning a litter is a separate word, though 'cuain' is also the genitive of 'cuan' (harbour), as in 'béal an chuain'.

Litter in Irish (Cuain): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage