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Rack in Irish (Raca): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘raca’ also means: comb

The Irish for rack is raca, a masculine noun (plural racaí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “rack” in Irish

Irish:
raca
English:
rack, comb
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“RAK-uh”  /ˈɾˠakə/
Various forms
Plural:
racaí (racks)
Genitive singular:
raca, an raca (e.g. barr an raca, the top of the rack)
Genitive plural:
racaí, na racaí (e.g. seilfeanna na racaí, the shelves of the racks)

What does “raca” mean?

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

rack
A frame or set of bars or shelves for holding or hanging things, such as a luggage rack or plate rack.Also: shelf rack, luggage rack, plate rack, frame.
1 other meaning: comb
2comb
A comb for the hair, especially a large-toothed one; this is a traditional meaning given in Ó Dónaill.Also: hair comb, rake.

“Raca” with the article

The plural of rack in Irish is racaí. Here is raca after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an raca
the rack
No change after an
na racaí
the racks
Plural: no change after na

“Raca” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using raca, the Irish word for rack.

Cuir do mhála ar an raca thuas.
Put your bag on the rack above.
Tá na plátaí sa raca ag triomú.
The plates are drying in the rack.
Cheannaíomar raca nua don chistin.
We bought a new rack for the kitchen.
Tá an raca leabhar lán go béal.
The book rack is full to the brim.
Bhí racaí rothar taobh amuigh den scoil.
There were bike racks outside the school.
Chroch mé mo chóta ar an raca cótaí.
I hung my coat on the coat rack.
Cíor do chuid gruaige leis an raca.
Comb your hair with the comb.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Rack in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for rack?

The Irish for rack is raca (pronounced “RAK-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is racaí. Depending on context it can also mean comb.

How do you pronounce raca in Irish?

Raca is said like “RAK-uh” (IPA /ˈɾˠakə/).

What is the plural of rack in Irish?

The plural of raca is racaí; with the article, na racaí means “the racks”. The genitive plural is racaí, as in seilfeanna na racaí (the shelves of the racks).

Does raca have more than one meaning?

Yes. Raca can mean rack or comb, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between 'raca' and 'seilf'?

A 'seilf' is a single shelf, while a 'raca' is a frame or set of bars for holding things, such as 'raca bagáiste' on a train.

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