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Plumage in Irish (Clúmh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘clúmh’ also means: down · fur

The Irish for plumage is clúmh, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “plumage” in Irish

Irish:
clúmh
English:
plumage, down, fur
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“kloov”  /kl̪ˠuːvˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
clúimh, an chlúimh (e.g. piliúr clúimh, a feather pillow)

What does “clúmh” mean?

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

plumage
The feathers or soft down covering a bird.Also: down, feathers, feather.
2 other meanings: down or fur
2down
Soft fine hair on the body or face, such as the first growth of a beard.Also: body hair, fine hair, fuzz.
3fur
The hairy coat of an animal.Also: coat, pelt.

“Clúmh” with the article

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

an clúmh
the plumage
No change after an

“Clúmh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using clúmh, the Irish word for plumage.

Tá clúmh bog ar an ngé óg.
The young goose has soft down.
Bhí an clúmh ag titim den éan.
The bird was shedding its feathers.
Cheannaigh sí leaba chlúimh nua.
She bought a new feather bed.
Tá dath geal ar chlúmh na lachan.
The duck's plumage is bright.
Tá clúmh sa chúisín seo.
This cushion is filled with down.
Bhí clúmh tiubh ar an madra rua.
The fox had a thick coat.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Plumage in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for plumage?

The Irish for plumage is clúmh (pronounced “kloov”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean down or fur.

How do you pronounce clúmh in Irish?

Clúmh is said like “kloov” (IPA /kl̪ˠuːvˠ/).

Does clúmh have a plural?

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

Does clúmh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Clúmh can mean plumage, down or fur, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does clúmh change to chlúmh or gclúmh?

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

What is the difference between 'clúmh' and 'cleite'?

'Cleite' is a single feather, while 'clúmh' is the mass of feathers or down on a bird.

What is the adjective from 'clúmh'?

'Clúmhach' means downy, feathery or fluffy.

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