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Make-up in Irish (Smideadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘smideadh’ also means: making up

The Irish for make-up is smideadh, a masculine noun. Ag smideadh is making up, from the verb smid.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “make-up” in Irish

Irish:
smideadh
English:
make-up, making up
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
smid, to make up (ag smideadh, making up)
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“SMID-oo”  /ˈsmʲɪdʲə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
smididh, an smididh (e.g. mála smididh, make-up bag)

What does “smideadh” mean?

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

make-up
Cosmetics put on the face, such as powder, lipstick or eyeshadow.Also: cosmetics, makeup, face paint.
1 other meaning: making up
2making up
The verbal noun of the verb smid, the act of putting make-up on someone or oneself.Also: applying make-up, putting on make-up.

“Smideadh” as a verbal noun

After ag, smideadh means making up: it is the verbal noun of the verb smid (to make up). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
smideadhverbal noun
=
ag smideadhmaking up

“Smideadh” with the article

Here is smideadh after the article (an t-alt).

an smideadh
the make-up
No change after an

“Smideadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using smideadh, the Irish word for make-up.

Ní chaitheann sí smideadh ar bith.
She doesn't wear any make-up.
Bhain sé an smideadh dá aghaidh tar éis an dráma.
He took the make-up off his face after the play.
Tá mo smideadh i mo mhála.
My make-up is in my bag.
Cheannaigh mé mála smididh nua inné.
I bought a new make-up bag yesterday.
Bhí an iomarca smididh uirthi.
She was wearing too much make-up.
Tá sí ag cur smididh uirthi féin.
She is putting on her make-up.
Oibríonn sé mar ealaíontóir smididh san amharclann.
He works as a make-up artist in the theatre.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Make-up in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for make-up?

The Irish for make-up is smideadh (pronounced “SMID-oo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean making up.

How do you pronounce smideadh in Irish?

Smideadh is said like “SMID-oo” (IPA /ˈsmʲɪdʲə/).

Does smideadh have a plural?

No plural form is given for smideadh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does smideadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Smideadh can mean make-up or making up, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say someone is wearing make-up?

Use the preposition ar: 'Tá smideadh uirthi' means 'She is wearing make-up'.

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