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Melting in Irish (Leá): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘leá’ also means: wasting away

The Irish for melting is leá, a masculine noun. Ag leá is melting, from the verb leáigh.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “melting” in Irish

Irish:
leá
English:
melting, wasting away
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
leáigh, to melt (ag leá, melting)
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“lyaw”  /lʲaː/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
leá, an leá (e.g. pointe leá, melting point)

What does “leá” mean?

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

melting
The verbal noun of leáigh: the act or process of melting, thawing or dissolving.Also: thawing, dissolving, dissolution, thaw.
1 other meaning: wasting away
2wasting away
A gradual dwindling or wasting away, figuratively melting away.Also: dwindling, fading away.

“Leá” as a verbal noun

After ag, leá means melting: it is the verbal noun of the verb leáigh (to melt). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
leáverbal noun
=
ag leámelting

“Leá” with the article

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

an leá
the melting
No change after an

“Leá” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using leá, the Irish word for melting.

Tá an sneachta ag leá inniu.
The snow is melting today.
Cuir an t-im ar leá sa phota.
Melt the butter in the pot.
Cad é pointe leá an oighir?
What is the melting point of ice?
Thosaigh an leá go luath i mbliana.
The thaw started early this year.
Tá leá na n-oighearshruth ag dul i méid.
The melting of the glaciers is increasing.
Chuaigh an t-airgead i leá orainn.
The money melted away on us.
Bhí an choinneal ag leá go mall.
The candle was melting slowly.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Melting in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for melting?

The Irish for melting is leá (pronounced “lyaw”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wasting away.

How do you pronounce leá in Irish?

Leá is said like “lyaw” (IPA /lʲaː/).

Does leá have a plural?

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

Does leá have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leá can mean melting or wasting away, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say something is melting away?

Use 'dul i leá', for example 'Chuaigh an sneachta i leá', the snow melted away.

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