Peak in Irish (Buaic): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for peak?

The Irish for peak is buaic (pronounced “boo-ik”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean ridge or wick.

Q: Does buaic have more than one meaning?

Yes. Buaic can mean peak, ridge or wick, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “peak” in Irish

Irish:: buaic
English:: peak, ridge, wick
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “boo-ik” /bˠuəcː/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: buaice, na buaice (e.g. am buaice, peak time)

What does “buaic” mean?

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

peak: The highest point or top of something, often used for the climax or height of an event or career.Also: top, climax, height, summit, culmination.

2 other meanings: ridge or wick

2ridge: The ridge or crest of a roof, wave or hill.Also: crest, apex.
3wick: The wick of a candle or lamp, a variant of buaiceas.Also: candlewick.

Other Irish words for peak: binn (peak)

“Buaic” with the article

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

an bhuaic

the peak

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

“Buaic” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using buaic, the Irish word for peak.

Bhí sí ag buaic a réime ag an am sin.

She was at the peak of her career at that time.

Shroich an scéal a bhuaic sa chaibidil dheireanach.

The story reached its climax in the last chapter.

Bíonn an trácht trom ag am buaice.

The traffic is heavy at peak time.

Tá an fhéile anois ag a buaic.

The festival is now at its height.

Bhí éan ina shuí ar bhuaic an tí.

A bird was sitting on the ridge of the house.

Sin buaic na bliana dúinne.

That is the high point of the year for us.

Bhí an t-ionad lán ag buaic an lae.

The centre was full at the peak of the day.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

cosaintdefence aitheantasrecognition ionsaíattack tiarnalord cléleft stocstock

Peak in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for peak?

The Irish for peak is buaic (pronounced “boo-ik”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean ridge or wick.

How do you pronounce buaic in Irish?

Buaic is said like “boo-ik” (IPA /bˠuəcː/).

Does buaic have a plural?

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

Does buaic have more than one meaning?

Yes. Buaic can mean peak, ridge or wick, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does buaic change to bhuaic or mbuaic?

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

What is the difference between buaic and barr?

Barr is the everyday word for the top of anything, while buaic stresses the highest point or climax, as in buaic a réime, the peak of his career.

Peak in Irish (Buaic): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage