Orchestra in Irish (Ceolfhoireann): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for orchestra?

The Irish for orchestra is ceolfhoireann (pronounced “KYOHL-ir-un”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ceolfhoirne.

Q: What is the plural of orchestra in Irish?

The plural of ceolfhoireann is ceolfhoirne; with the article, na ceolfhoirne means “the orchestras”. The genitive plural is ceolfhoirne, as in ceolchoirmeacha ceolfhoirne (orchestra concerts).

How to say “orchestra” in Irish

Irish:: ceolfhoireann
English:: orchestra
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “KYOHL-ir-un” /ˈcoːlˌɪɾʲən̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: ceolfhoirne (orchestras)
Genitive singular:: ceolfhoirne, na ceolfhoirne (e.g. stiúrthóir na ceolfhoirne, conductor of the orchestra)
Genitive plural:: ceolfhoirne, na gceolfhoirne (e.g. ceolchoirmeacha ceolfhoirne, orchestra concerts)

What does “ceolfhoireann” mean?

orchestra: A large group of musicians who play classical or other music together on various instruments.Also: symphony orchestra, band.

“Ceolfhoireann” with the article

The plural of orchestra in Irish is ceolfhoirne. Here is ceolfhoireann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cheolfhoireann

the orchestra

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na ceolfhoirne

the orchestras

Plural: no change after na

“Ceolfhoireann” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ceolfhoireann, the Irish word for orchestra.

Seinneann mo dheirfiúr an veidhlín i gceolfhoireann.

My sister plays the violin in an orchestra.

Bhí an cheolfhoireann go hiontach aréir.

The orchestra was wonderful last night.

Tá caoga ceoltóir sa cheolfhoireann seo.

There are fifty musicians in this orchestra.

Chuamar chuig ceolchoirm na ceolfhoirne Dé Sathairn.

We went to the orchestra's concert on Saturday.

Tá ceolfhoirne óige ar fud na tíre.

There are youth orchestras all over the country.

Ba mhaith liom a bheith i gceolfhoireann na scoile.

I would like to be in the school orchestra.

Tháinig an cheolfhoireann ar an ardán faoi dheireadh.

The orchestra finally came on stage.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

NollaigChristmas busbus fáthreason fiúworth taithíexperience comórtascompetition

Orchestra in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for orchestra?

The Irish for orchestra is ceolfhoireann (pronounced “KYOHL-ir-un”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ceolfhoirne.

How do you pronounce ceolfhoireann in Irish?

Ceolfhoireann is said like “KYOHL-ir-un” (IPA /ˈcoːlˌɪɾʲən̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of orchestra in Irish?

The plural of ceolfhoireann is ceolfhoirne; with the article, na ceolfhoirne means “the orchestras”. The genitive plural is ceolfhoirne, as in ceolchoirmeacha ceolfhoirne (orchestra concerts).

Why does ceolfhoireann change to cheolfhoireann or gceolfhoireann?

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

How is 'ceolfhoireann' built?

It combines 'ceol' (music) and 'foireann' (team, crew), so it literally means a music team; the f is lenited and silent.

Is 'ceolfhoireann' the same as 'banna'?

No, 'ceolfhoireann' is a large orchestra, while 'banna' or 'banna ceoil' is a smaller band, such as a rock or céilí band.

Orchestra in Irish (Ceolfhoireann): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage