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Pursuit in Irish (Tóraíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘tóraíocht’ also means: search

The Irish for pursuit is tóraíocht, a feminine noun. Ag tóraíocht is pursuing, from the verb tóraigh.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “pursuit” in Irish

Irish:
tóraíocht
English:
pursuit, search
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
tóraigh, to pursue (ag tóraíocht, pursuing)
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“TOE-ree-ukht”  /ˈt̪ˠoːɾˠiəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
tóraíochta, na tóraíochta (e.g. lucht na tóraíochta, the pursuers)

What does “tóraíocht” mean?

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

pursuit
The act of chasing or hunting someone or something, especially a fugitive.Also: chase, manhunt, hunt.
1 other meaning: search
2search
The act of seeking or searching for something you want, such as a job or an answer.Also: quest, seeking, looking for.

Other Irish words for pursuit: gníomhaíocht (activity), tóir (pursuit), leanúint (following), ruaig (chase)

“Tóraíocht” as a verbal noun

After ag, tóraíocht means pursuing: it is the verbal noun of the verb tóraigh (to pursue). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
tóraíochtverbal noun
=
ag tóraíochtpursuing

“Tóraíocht” with the article

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

an tóraíocht
the pursuit
No change: d and t are not lenited after an

“Tóraíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tóraíocht, the Irish word for pursuit.

Tá mé ag tóraíocht post nua faoi láthair.
I am looking for a new job at the moment.
Bhí na gardaí ar thóraíocht an ghadaí ar feadh na hoíche.
The guards were hunting the thief all night.
Thosaigh an tóraíocht go luath ar maidin.
The search began early in the morning.
Chuaigh siad sa tóraíocht ar an madra a bhí ar iarraidh.
They went searching for the missing dog.
Is scéal cáiliúil é Tóraíocht Dhiarmada agus Ghráinne.
The Pursuit of Diarmaid and Gráinne is a famous story.
Bhí an tóraíocht fada agus deacair.
The search was long and difficult.
Ghlac céad duine páirt sa tóraíocht.
A hundred people took part in the search.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Pursuit in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for pursuit?

The Irish for pursuit is tóraíocht (pronounced “TOE-ree-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean search.

How do you pronounce tóraíocht in Irish?

Tóraíocht is said like “TOE-ree-ukht” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠoːɾˠiəxt̪ˠ/).

Does tóraíocht have a plural?

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

Does tóraíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tóraíocht can mean pursuit or search, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does tóraíocht change to thóraíocht or dtóraíocht?

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

What is the difference between 'tóraíocht' and 'tóir'?

Both mean pursuit; 'tóir' is common in phrases like 'ar thóir' (in pursuit of), while 'tóraíocht' is the act of chasing or searching, as in 'ag tóraíocht' (searching).

How do I say I am looking for something with this word?

Use 'ag tóraíocht' followed by the thing, for example 'Tá mé ag tóraíocht poist' (I am looking for a job).

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