Noise in Irish (Gleo): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for noise?

The Irish for noise is gleo (pronounced “glyoh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gleonna. Depending on context it can also mean tumult or fight.

Q: What is the plural of noise in Irish?

The plural of gleo is gleonna; with the article, na gleonna means “the noises”. The genitive plural is gleonna, as in macalla na ngleonna (the echo of the noises).

Q: Does gleo have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gleo can mean noise, tumult or fight, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “noise” in Irish

Irish:: gleo
English:: noise, tumult, fight
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “glyoh” /ɟlʲoː/

Various forms

Plural:: gleonna (noises)
Genitive singular:: gleo, an ghleo (e.g. ard an ghleo, the height of the din)
Genitive plural:: gleonna, na ngleonna (e.g. macalla na ngleonna, the echo of the noises)

What does “gleo” mean?

“Gleo” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

noise: A loud, confused noise or din, such as shouting or clamour.Also: din, clamour, uproar, racket.

2 other meanings: tumult or fight

2tumult: A noisy commotion or disturbance among people.Also: commotion, uproar, disturbance.
3fight: A fight, quarrel or battle, especially in older or literary language.Also: battle, strife, quarrel, combat.

Other Irish words for noise: fuaim (sound), fothram (noise), torann (noise), trup (noise)

“Gleo” with the article

The plural of noise in Irish is gleonna. Here is gleo after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an gleo

the noise

No change after an

na gleonna

the noises

Plural: no change after na

“Gleo” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gleo, the Irish word for noise.

Bhí gleo mór sa seomra ranga.

There was a lot of noise in the classroom.

Ní raibh mé in ann codladh leis an ngleo.

I couldn't sleep with the racket.

Cad é an gleo sin amuigh?

What's that commotion outside?

Chualamar an gleo ón tsráid.

We heard the noise from the street.

Ná déanaigí gleo, tá an leanbh ina chodladh.

Don't make noise, the baby is asleep.

Bhí gleo uafásach ag an gcóisir aréir.

There was terrible noise at the party last night.

Bhí na páistí ag déanamh gleo.

The children were making noise.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

acmhainnresource sláintehealth samhradhsummer teaghlachfamily buavictory lorgseeking

Noise in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for noise?

The Irish for noise is gleo (pronounced “glyoh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gleonna. Depending on context it can also mean tumult or fight.

How do you pronounce gleo in Irish?

Gleo is said like “glyoh” (IPA /ɟlʲoː/).

What is the plural of noise in Irish?

The plural of gleo is gleonna; with the article, na gleonna means “the noises”. The genitive plural is gleonna, as in macalla na ngleonna (the echo of the noises).

Does gleo have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gleo can mean noise, tumult or fight, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gleo change to ghleo or ngleo?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gleo becomes mo ghleo (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngleo (eclipsis).

How is 'gleo' different from 'torann'?

'Torann' is the general word for noise or a sound, while 'gleo' suggests a confused din or clamour of people, and in older Irish a fight or battle.

Noise in Irish (Gleo): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage