HeyRuaHow to say “litter” in Irish
- Irish:
- ál
- English:
- litter, brood
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “awl” /ɑːlˠ/
- Plural:
- álta (litters)
- Genitive singular:
- áil, an áil (e.g. an ceann is lú den áil, the smallest one of the litter)
- Genitive plural:
- álta, na n-álta (e.g. méid na n-álta, the size of the litters)
What does “ál” mean?
“Ál” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- litter
- A group of young animals born to the same mother at one time, such as pups or piglets.Also: young, pups, farrow.
1 other meaning: brood
- 2brood
- A group of young birds hatched together, such as a clutch of chicks.Also: clutch, chicks, hatch.
Other Irish words for litter: bruscar (rubbish)
“Ál” with the article
The plural of litter in Irish is álta. Here is ál after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ál” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ál, the Irish word for litter.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Litter in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for litter?
The Irish for litter is ál (pronounced “awl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is álta. Depending on context it can also mean brood.
How do you pronounce ál in Irish?
Ál is said like “awl” (IPA /ɑːlˠ/).
What is the plural of litter in Irish?
The plural of ál is álta; with the article, na hálta means “the litters”. The genitive plural is álta, as in méid na n-álta (the size of the litters).
Does ál have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ál can mean litter or brood, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ál sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-ál (the litter), a hál (her litter), a n-ál (their litter), na hálta (the litters).
What is the difference between 'ál' and 'éillín'?
'Ál' is a general word for a litter or brood of any young animals, while 'éillín' usually refers specifically to a brood or clutch of chicks.
