HeyRuaHow to say “pole” in Irish
- Irish:
- cleith
- English:
- pole, cudgel, wattle
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “klehh” /klʲeh/
- Plural:
- cleitheanna (poles)
- Genitive singular:
- cleithe, na cleithe (e.g. barr na cleithe, the top of the pole)
- Genitive plural:
- cleitheanna, na gcleitheanna (e.g. barraí na gcleitheanna, the tops of the poles)
What does “cleith” mean?
“Cleith” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- pole
- A long, slender piece of wood used for support, building or pushing.Also: stake, rod, staff.
2 other meanings: cudgel or wattle
- 2cudgel
- A short, heavy stick used as a weapon.Also: club, stick.
- 3wattle
- A rod or stake used in wattling, the weaving of branches to make walls or fences.Also: wattling, stake.
Other Irish words for pole: cuaille (pole)
“Cleith” with the article
The plural of pole in Irish is cleitheanna. Here is cleith after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cleith” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cleith, the Irish word for pole.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Pole in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for pole?
The Irish for pole is cleith (pronounced “klehh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cleitheanna. Depending on context it can also mean cudgel or wattle.
How do you pronounce cleith in Irish?
Cleith is said like “klehh” (IPA /klʲeh/).
What is the plural of pole in Irish?
The plural of cleith is cleitheanna; with the article, na cleitheanna means “the poles”. The genitive plural is cleitheanna, as in barraí na gcleitheanna (the tops of the poles).
Does cleith have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cleith can mean pole, cudgel or wattle, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cleith change to chleith or gcleith?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cleith becomes mo chleith (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcleith (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'cleith' and 'cuaille'?
'Cuaille' is the everyday word for a post or pole, such as a telegraph pole; 'cleith' is more a slender pole, stake or wattle and is common in set phrases like 'cleith pubaill'.
What does 'idir cleith agus ursain' mean?
It means narrowly or by the skin of one's teeth, literally 'between pole and doorpost'.
