Merriment in Irish (Meidhréis): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for merriment?

The Irish for merriment is meidhréis (pronounced “MY-raysh”). It’s a feminine noun.

How to say “merriment” in Irish

Irish:: meidhréis
English:: merriment
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “MY-raysh” /ˈmʲəiɾʲeːʃ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: meidhréise, na meidhréise (e.g. lá meidhréise, a day of merriment)

What does “meidhréis” mean?

merriment: A lively, cheerful, playful mood or high spirits.Also: friskiness, gaiety, high spirits, liveliness, mirth.

Other Irish words for merriment: meidhir (mirth), scléip (fun)

“Meidhréis” with the article

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

an mheidhréis

the merriment

Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

“Meidhréis” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using meidhréis, the Irish word for merriment.

Bhí meidhréis ar na páistí tar éis na scoile.

The children were in high spirits after school.

Tháinig meidhréis air nuair a chuala sé an ceol.

He got merry when he heard the music.

Ní raibh deireadh leis an meidhréis go maidin.

There was no end to the merriment until morning.

Bhí an teach lán meidhréise an oíche sin.

The house was full of merriment that night.

Chonaic mé an mheidhréis ina súile.

I saw the playfulness in her eyes.

Bíonn meidhréis ar na huain san earrach.

The lambs are frisky in spring.

Bhí siad ag damhsa le teann meidhréise.

They were dancing out of sheer high spirits.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Merriment in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for merriment?

The Irish for merriment is meidhréis (pronounced “MY-raysh”). It’s a feminine noun.

How do you pronounce meidhréis in Irish?

Meidhréis is said like “MY-raysh” (IPA /ˈmʲəiɾʲeːʃ/).

Does meidhréis have a plural?

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

Why does meidhréis change to mheidhréis?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mheidhréis. After ár (our) it stays ár meidhréis, because m does not take eclipsis.

How do you say someone is in high spirits using meidhréis?

Use 'ar': 'Tá meidhréis air' means he is merry or frisky, literally merriment is on him.

How is meidhréis different from áthas?

Áthas is general happiness or joy, while meidhréis suggests lively, playful, frisky high spirits.

Merriment in Irish (Meidhréis): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage