Mantelpiece in Irish (Clabhar): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for mantelpiece?

The Irish for mantelpiece is clabhar (pronounced “KLOW-ur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is clabhair. Depending on context it can also mean damper.

Q: What is the plural of mantelpiece in Irish?

The plural of clabhar is clabhair; with the article, na clabhair means “the mantelpieces”. The genitive plural is clabhar, as in barr na gclabhar (the tops of the mantelpieces).

Q: Does clabhar have more than one meaning?

Yes. Clabhar can mean mantelpiece or damper, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “mantelpiece” in Irish

Irish:: clabhar
English:: mantelpiece, damper
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “KLOW-ur” /ˈkl̪ˠəuɾˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: clabhair (mantelpieces)
Genitive singular:: clabhair, an chlabhair (e.g. barr an chlabhair, the top of the mantelpiece)
Genitive plural:: clabhar, na gclabhar (e.g. barr na gclabhar, the tops of the mantelpieces)

What does “clabhar” mean?

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

mantelpiece: The shelf or beam above a fireplace.Also: mantel, mantelshelf, manteltree, chimney piece.

1 other meaning: damper

2damper: A board or flap attached to the mantel of an open fireplace to control the draught.Also: chimney board.

“Clabhar” with the article

The plural of mantelpiece in Irish is clabhair. Here is clabhar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an clabhar

the mantelpiece

No change after an

na clabhair

the mantelpieces

Plural: no change after na

“Clabhar” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using clabhar, the Irish word for mantelpiece.

Tá an clog ar an gclabhar.

The clock is on the mantelpiece.

Chuir sí na grianghraif ar an gclabhar.

She put the photos on the mantelpiece.

Bhí coinnle ar bharr an chlabhair.

There were candles on top of the mantelpiece.

Is clabhar adhmaid atá againn sa seomra suí.

We have a wooden mantelpiece in the sitting room.

Fágadh na litreacha ar mo chlabhar.

The letters were left on my mantelpiece.

Bhí clabhair mharmair sna seantithe móra.

The big old houses had marble mantelpieces.

Ghlan sé an deannach den chlabhar.

He cleaned the dust off the mantelpiece.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Mantelpiece in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for mantelpiece?

The Irish for mantelpiece is clabhar (pronounced “KLOW-ur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is clabhair. Depending on context it can also mean damper.

How do you pronounce clabhar in Irish?

Clabhar is said like “KLOW-ur” (IPA /ˈkl̪ˠəuɾˠ/).

What is the plural of mantelpiece in Irish?

The plural of clabhar is clabhair; with the article, na clabhair means “the mantelpieces”. The genitive plural is clabhar, as in barr na gclabhar (the tops of the mantelpieces).

Does clabhar have more than one meaning?

Yes. Clabhar can mean mantelpiece or damper, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does clabhar change to chlabhar or gclabhar?

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

Is there another word for mantelpiece in Irish?

Yes, 'matal' is also used, but 'clabhar' is the traditional word for the mantel over an open hearth.

Mantelpiece in Irish (Clabhar): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage