Needle in Irish (Snáthaid): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for needle?

The Irish for needle is snáthaid (pronounced “SNAW-hid”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is snáthaidí. Depending on context it can also mean pointer.

Q: What is the plural of needle in Irish?

The plural of snáthaid is snáthaidí; with the article, na snáthaidí means “the needles”. The genitive plural is snáthaidí, as in paicéad na snáthaidí (the packet of needles).

Q: Does snáthaid have more than one meaning?

Yes. Snáthaid can mean needle or pointer, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “needle” in Irish

Irish:: snáthaid
English:: needle, pointer
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “SNAW-hid” /ˈsn̪ˠɑːhədʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: snáthaidí (needles)
Genitive singular:: snáthaide, na snáthaide (e.g. cró na snáthaide, the eye of the needle)
Genitive plural:: snáthaidí, na snáthaidí (e.g. paicéad na snáthaidí, the packet of needles)

What does “snáthaid” mean?

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

needle: A thin pointed piece of metal with a hole at one end, used for sewing.Also: sewing needle, darning needle.

1 other meaning: pointer

2pointer: The needle or pointer of a compass, gauge or dial, or the hand of a clock.Also: indicator, compass needle, clock hand.

Other Irish words for needle: dealgán (knitting needle)

“Snáthaid” with the article

The plural of needle in Irish is snáthaidí. Here is snáthaid after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tsnáthaid

the needle

Feminine nouns take t before s after an

na snáthaidí

the needles

Plural: no change after na

“Snáthaid” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using snáthaid, the Irish word for needle.

An bhfuil snáthaid agus snáth agat?

Do you have a needle and thread?

Chuir mé snáth tríd an tsnáthaid.

I threaded the needle.

Ghortaigh mé mo mhéar leis an tsnáthaid.

I hurt my finger with the needle.

Tá na snáthaidí sa bhosca fuála.

The needles are in the sewing box.

Bhí sé cosúil le snáthaid a chuardach i gcocán féir.

It was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Díríonn snáthaid an chompáis ó thuaidh.

The compass needle points north.

Chaill mé mo shnáthaid ar an urlár.

I lost my needle on the floor.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Needle in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for needle?

The Irish for needle is snáthaid (pronounced “SNAW-hid”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is snáthaidí. Depending on context it can also mean pointer.

How do you pronounce snáthaid in Irish?

Snáthaid is said like “SNAW-hid” (IPA /ˈsn̪ˠɑːhədʲ/).

What is the plural of needle in Irish?

The plural of snáthaid is snáthaidí; with the article, na snáthaidí means “the needles”. The genitive plural is snáthaidí, as in paicéad na snáthaidí (the packet of needles).

Does snáthaid have more than one meaning?

Yes. Snáthaid can mean needle or pointer, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does snáthaid change to shnáthaid?

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

What is the difference between snáthaid and biorán?

A snáthaid has an eye for thread and is used for sewing, while a biorán is a pin with no eye, used to hold things together.

What does 'amach ón tsnáthaid' mean?

It means 'brand new', literally 'out from the needle', said of new clothes.

Needle in Irish (Snáthaid): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage