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Ram in Irish (Reithe): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘reithe’ also means: battering ram

The Irish for ram is reithe, a masculine noun (plural reithí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “ram” in Irish

Irish:
reithe
English:
ram, battering ram
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“REH-huh”  /ˈɾˠɛhə/
Various forms
Plural:
reithí (rams)
Genitive singular:
reithe, an reithe (e.g. adharca an reithe, the ram's horns)
Genitive plural:
reithí, na reithí (e.g. díol reithí, selling rams)

What does “reithe” mean?

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

ram
An adult male sheep.Also: male sheep, tup.
1 other meaning: battering ram
2battering ram
A heavy beam used in the past to break down walls or gates (usually 'reithe cogaidh').Also: ram.

“Reithe” with the article

The plural of ram in Irish is reithí. Here is reithe after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an reithe
the ram
No change after an
na reithí
the rams
Plural: no change after na

“Reithe” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using reithe, the Irish word for ram.

Tá reithe mór ag m'uncail ar an bhfeirm.
My uncle has a big ram on the farm.
Chuir an reithe a adharca sa gheata.
The ram put its horns into the gate.
Bhí olann an reithe an-tiubh i mbliana.
The ram's wool was very thick this year.
Cheannaigh sé dhá reithe ag an aonach.
He bought two rams at the fair.
Coinnigh na reithí ar leith ó na caoirigh.
Keep the rams apart from the ewes.
Bhris mo reithe isteach sa ghairdín aréir.
My ram broke into the garden last night.
Tá na reithí sa pháirc thíos.
The rams are in the field below.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Ram in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for ram?

The Irish for ram is reithe (pronounced “REH-huh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is reithí. Depending on context it can also mean battering ram.

How do you pronounce reithe in Irish?

Reithe is said like “REH-huh” (IPA /ˈɾˠɛhə/).

What is the plural of ram in Irish?

The plural of reithe is reithí; with the article, na reithí means “the rams”. The genitive plural is reithí, as in díol reithí (selling rams).

Does reithe have more than one meaning?

Yes. Reithe can mean ram or battering ram, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between 'reithe', 'molt' and 'caora'?

'Reithe' is an uncastrated male sheep, 'molt' is a wether (castrated male), and 'caora' is a sheep in general or a ewe.

How do you say the star sign Aries in Irish?

Aries is 'an Reithe', so 'Is Reithe mé' means 'I am an Aries'.

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