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Peeling in Irish (Scamhadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘scamhadh’ also means: thinning

The Irish for peeling is scamhadh, a masculine noun. Ag scamhadh is peeling, from the verb scamh.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “peeling” in Irish

Irish:
scamhadh
English:
peeling, thinning
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
scamh, to peel (ag scamhadh, peeling)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“SKAW-oo”  /ˈskəuː/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
scafa, an scafa (e.g. am scafa na bprátaí, time for peeling the potatoes)

What does “scamhadh” mean?

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

peeling
The verbal noun of the verb scamh: the act of peeling or stripping the outer layer off something.Also: stripping, skinning, husking.
1 other meaning: thinning
2thinning
The act of thinning out or pruning something, such as plants or branches.Also: pruning, clearing.

“Scamhadh” as a verbal noun

After ag, scamhadh means peeling: it is the verbal noun of the verb scamh (to peel). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
scamhadhverbal noun
=
ag scamhadhpeeling

“Scamhadh” with the article

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

an scamhadh
the peeling
No change after an

“Scamhadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using scamhadh, the Irish word for peeling.

Thosaigh sí ar scamhadh na bprátaí.
She started peeling the potatoes.
Bhí mé ag scamhadh oráistí don dinnéar.
I was peeling oranges for dinner.
Is fuath liom scamhadh oinniún.
I hate peeling onions.
Tá an scamhadh déanta agam anois.
I have the peeling done now.
Ní raibh scian scafa agam.
I didn't have a peeling knife.
Thóg an scamhadh uair an chloig orainn.
The peeling took us an hour.
Bhí sé ag scamhadh coirte den chrann.
He was stripping bark from the tree.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Peeling in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for peeling?

The Irish for peeling is scamhadh (pronounced “SKAW-oo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean thinning.

How do you pronounce scamhadh in Irish?

Scamhadh is said like “SKAW-oo” (IPA /ˈskəuː/).

Does scamhadh have a plural?

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

Does scamhadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Scamhadh can mean peeling or thinning, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Is scamhadh related to scamhóg, lung?

No, scamhadh comes from the verb scamh, to peel or strip, while scamhóg means lung; they only look similar.

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