Mule in Irish (Miúil): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for mule?

The Irish for mule is miúil (pronounced “myool”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is miúileanna. Depending on context it can also mean mule (slipper).

Q: What is the plural of mule in Irish?

The plural of miúil is miúileanna; with the article, na miúileanna means “the mules”. The genitive plural is miúileanna, as in cosa na miúileanna (the mules' legs).

Q: Does miúil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Miúil can mean mule or mule (slipper), depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “mule” in Irish

Irish:: miúil
English:: mule, mule (slipper)
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “myool” /mʲuːlʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: miúileanna (mules)
Genitive singular:: miúile, na miúile (e.g. cosa na miúile, the mule's legs)
Genitive plural:: miúileanna, na miúileanna (e.g. cosa na miúileanna, the mules' legs)

What does “miúil” mean?

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

mule: An animal born of a male donkey and a female horse, used for carrying loads.Also: hinny, pack animal.

1 other meaning: mule (slipper)

2mule (slipper): A light slipper or shoe with no back around the heel.Also: mule, backless slipper, slipper.

“Miúil” with the article

The plural of mule in Irish is miúileanna. Here is miúil after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an mhiúil

the mule

Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

na miúileanna

the mules

Plural: no change after na

“Miúil” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using miúil, the Irish word for mule.

Tá miúil ag m'uncail ar an bhfeirm.

My uncle has a mule on the farm.

D'iompair an mhiúil na málaí suas an cnoc.

The mule carried the bags up the hill.

Bhí ualach trom ar dhroim na miúile.

There was a heavy load on the mule's back.

Chonaiceamar miúileanna ar an gcosán sléibhe.

We saw mules on the mountain path.

Tá an mhiúil an-cheanndána ar maidin.

The mule is very stubborn this morning.

Chuir sí miúileanna dearga uirthi féin.

She put on red mules.

Níor bhog an mhiúil orlach in ainneoin a dhíchill.

The mule didn't budge an inch despite his efforts.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Mule in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for mule?

The Irish for mule is miúil (pronounced “myool”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is miúileanna. Depending on context it can also mean mule (slipper).

How do you pronounce miúil in Irish?

Miúil is said like “myool” (IPA /mʲuːlʲ/).

What is the plural of mule in Irish?

The plural of miúil is miúileanna; with the article, na miúileanna means “the mules”. The genitive plural is miúileanna, as in cosa na miúileanna (the mules' legs).

Does miúil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Miúil can mean mule or mule (slipper), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does miúil change to mhiúil?

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

Is 'miúil' the same as 'asal'?

No. 'Asal' is a donkey, while 'miúil' is a mule, the cross between a donkey and a horse.

Can 'miúil' describe a stubborn person?

Yes, as in English it can be used figuratively, for example 'Tá sé chomh ceanndána le miúil', he is as stubborn as a mule.

Mule in Irish (Miúil): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage