Murmur in Irish (Monabhar): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for murmur?

The Irish for murmur is monabhar (pronounced “MUN-uh-vur”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean grumbling.

Q: Does monabhar have more than one meaning?

Yes. Monabhar can mean murmur or grumbling, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “murmur” in Irish

Irish:: monabhar
English:: murmur, grumbling
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “MUN-uh-vur” /ˈmˠʊn̪ˠəwəɾˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: monabhair, an mhonabhair (e.g. fuaim an mhonabhair, the sound of the murmur)

What does “monabhar” mean?

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

murmur: A low, continuous, indistinct sound, such as of voices, water or wind.Also: murmuring, hum, babble.

1 other meaning: grumbling

2grumbling: Low complaining or muttering of discontent.Also: muttering, complaining.

Other Irish words for murmur: cogair (whisper)

“Monabhar” with the article

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

an monabhar

the murmur

No change after an

“Monabhar” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using monabhar, the Irish word for murmur.

Chuala mé monabhar cainte sa seomra eile.

I heard a murmur of talk in the other room.

Bhí monabhar na habhann le cloisteáil.

The murmur of the river could be heard.

Thit an monabhar nuair a tháinig an múinteoir isteach.

The murmuring died down when the teacher came in.

D'éirigh monabhar sa slua.

A murmur rose in the crowd.

Bhí monabhar ag na hoibrithe faoin bpá.

The workers were grumbling about the pay.

Thit mé i mo chodladh le monabhar na farraige.

I fell asleep to the murmur of the sea.

Ní raibh ach monabhar íseal sa halla.

There was only a low murmur in the hall.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Murmur in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for murmur?

The Irish for murmur is monabhar (pronounced “MUN-uh-vur”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean grumbling.

How do you pronounce monabhar in Irish?

Monabhar is said like “MUN-uh-vur” (IPA /ˈmˠʊn̪ˠəwəɾˠ/).

Does monabhar have a plural?

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

Does monabhar have more than one meaning?

Yes. Monabhar can mean murmur or grumbling, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does monabhar change to mhonabhar?

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

What is the difference between monabhar and cogar?

Cogar is a whisper, usually deliberate and to one person, while monabhar is a low indistinct murmur, often of many voices or of water.

Murmur in Irish (Monabhar): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage