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

Q: What is the Irish for peak?

The Irish for peak is binn (pronounced “bin”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is beanna. Depending on context it can also mean gable or corner or verse.

Q: What is the plural of peak in Irish?

The plural of binn is beanna; with the article, na beanna means “the peaks”. The genitive plural is beann, as in ainmneacha na mbeann (the names of the peaks).

Q: Does binn have more than one meaning?

Yes. Binn can mean peak, gable, corner or verse, depending on context; the first is the most common. Binn also has its own entry as an adjective meaning sweet.

How to say “peak” in Irish

Irish:: binn
English:: peak, gable, corner, verse
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “bin” /bʲiːnʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: beanna (peaks)
Genitive singular:: binne, na binne (e.g. barr na binne, the top of the peak)
Genitive plural:: beann, na mbeann (e.g. ainmneacha na mbeann, the names of the peaks)

What does “binn” mean?

“Binn” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

peak: The pointed top of a mountain or hill, or a high cliff.Also: summit, cliff, mountain top, pinnacle.

3 other meanings: gable or corner or verse

2gable: The triangular end wall of a house under the roof.Also: gable end, end wall.
3corner: An end, edge or corner of something, such as a cloth or a blade.Also: edge, end, blade.
4verse: A stanza or verse of a poem or song.Also: stanza, couplet.

Other Irish words for peak: buaic (peak)

Other entries for “binn”

The same spelling has its own page as:

binnsweet · adjective

“Binn” with the article

The plural of peak in Irish is beanna. Here is binn after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bhinn

the peak

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

na beanna

the peaks

Plural: no change after na

“Binn” in a sentence: Irish examples

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

Shroicheamar an bhinn roimh mheán lae.

We reached the peak before midday.

Tá fuinneog bheag i mbinn an tí.

There is a small window in the gable of the house.

Bhí ceo ar bharr na binne.

There was fog on top of the peak.

Tá na beanna clúdaithe le sneachta.

The peaks are covered with snow.

Phéinteáil sé an bhinn bhán.

He painted the white gable.

Bhí radharc álainn againn ó bharr na binne.

We had a lovely view from the top of the peak.

Chonaic mé na beanna ón mbád.

I saw the peaks from the boat.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

snámhswimming cóipcopy scáthshadow áthasjoy dinnéardinner píosapiece

Peak in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for peak?

The Irish for peak is binn (pronounced “bin”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is beanna. Depending on context it can also mean gable or corner or verse.

How do you pronounce binn in Irish?

Binn is said like “bin” (IPA /bʲiːnʲ/).

What is the plural of peak in Irish?

The plural of binn is beanna; with the article, na beanna means “the peaks”. The genitive plural is beann, as in ainmneacha na mbeann (the names of the peaks).

Does binn have more than one meaning?

Yes. Binn can mean peak, gable, corner or verse, depending on context; the first is the most common. Binn also has its own entry as an adjective meaning sweet.

Why does binn change to bhinn or mbinn?

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

How is the noun 'binn' related to 'beann'?

'Binn' is the standard form of the old noun 'beann', which is why its plural is 'beanna', as in 'Na Beanna Beola' (the Twelve Bens).

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