Nostril in Irish (Polláire): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for nostril?

The Irish for nostril is polláire (pronounced “POL-aw-ruh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is polláirí. Depending on context it can also mean small hole.

Q: What is the plural of nostril in Irish?

The plural of polláire is polláirí; with the article, na polláirí means “the nostrils”. The genitive plural is polláirí, as in cruth na bpolláirí (the shape of the nostrils).

Q: Does polláire have more than one meaning?

Yes. Polláire can mean nostril or small hole, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “nostril” in Irish

Irish:: polláire
English:: nostril, small hole
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “POL-aw-ruh” /ˈpˠɔl̪ˠaːɾʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: polláirí (nostrils)
Genitive singular:: polláire, an pholláire (e.g. taobh istigh den pholláire, the inside of the nostril)
Genitive plural:: polláirí, na bpolláirí (e.g. cruth na bpolláirí, the shape of the nostrils)

What does “polláire” mean?

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

nostril: One of the two openings in the nose through which you breathe.Also: nose opening, naris.

1 other meaning: small hole

2small hole: A small hole or vent in something, such as a buttonhole or an air hole.Also: vent, eyelet, aperture.

“Polláire” with the article

The plural of nostril in Irish is polláirí. Here is polláire after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an polláire

the nostril

No change after an

na polláirí

the nostrils

Plural: no change after na

“Polláire” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using polláire, the Irish word for nostril.

Tá polláire amháin blocáilte orm.

One of my nostrils is blocked.

Bhí fuil ag teacht as a pholláire.

Blood was coming from his nostril.

Leathnaigh polláirí an chapaill.

The horse's nostrils flared.

Chuir sí braon leighis i mo pholláire.

She put a drop of medicine in my nostril.

Bhí boladh an aráin ina pholláirí.

The smell of the bread filled his nostrils.

Tá fáinne aici sa pholláire.

She has a ring in her nostril.

Análaigh isteach trí do pholláirí go mall.

Breathe in slowly through your nostrils.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Nostril in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for nostril?

The Irish for nostril is polláire (pronounced “POL-aw-ruh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is polláirí. Depending on context it can also mean small hole.

How do you pronounce polláire in Irish?

Polláire is said like “POL-aw-ruh” (IPA /ˈpˠɔl̪ˠaːɾʲə/).

What is the plural of nostril in Irish?

The plural of polláire is polláirí; with the article, na polláirí means “the nostrils”. The genitive plural is polláirí, as in cruth na bpolláirí (the shape of the nostrils).

Does polláire have more than one meaning?

Yes. Polláire can mean nostril or small hole, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does polláire change to pholláire or bpolláire?

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

What is the difference between 'polláire' and 'srón'?

'Srón' is the whole nose, while 'polláire' is one of its openings, so 'polláirí na sróine' means the nostrils of the nose.

Nostril in Irish (Polláire): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage