HeyRuaHow to say “referee” in Irish
- Irish:
- moltóir
- English:
- referee, adjudicator, referee (for a reference), praiser
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MUL-toh-ir” /ˈmˠɔl̪ˠt̪ˠoːɾʲ/
- Plural:
- moltóirí (referees)
- Genitive singular:
- moltóra, an mholtóra (e.g. cinneadh an mholtóra, the referee's decision)
- Genitive plural:
- moltóirí, na moltóirí (e.g. painéal na moltóirí, the panel of referees)
What does “moltóir” mean?
“Moltóir” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- referee
- A person who controls a game or match and makes sure the rules are followed.Also: umpire, ref.
3 other meanings: adjudicator or referee (for a reference) or praiser
- 2adjudicator
- A person who judges a competition, such as a singing or dancing contest, and decides the winner.Also: judge, competition judge.
- 3referee (for a reference)
- A person who gives a reference about someone's character or work, for example for a job application.Also: referee, reference, recommender.
- 4praiser
- A person who praises or recommends something or someone.Also: recommender, advocate.
Other Irish words for referee: réiteoir (referee)
“Moltóir” with the article
The plural of referee in Irish is moltóirí. Here is moltóir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Moltóir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using moltóir, the Irish word for referee.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Referee in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for referee?
The Irish for referee is moltóir (pronounced “MUL-toh-ir”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is moltóirí. Depending on context it can also mean adjudicator or referee (for a reference) or praiser.
How do you pronounce moltóir in Irish?
Moltóir is said like “MUL-toh-ir” (IPA /ˈmˠɔl̪ˠt̪ˠoːɾʲ/).
What is the plural of referee in Irish?
The plural of moltóir is moltóirí; with the article, na moltóirí means “the referees”. The genitive plural is moltóirí, as in painéal na moltóirí (the panel of referees).
Does moltóir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Moltóir can mean referee, adjudicator, referee (for a reference) or praiser, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does moltóir change to mholtóir?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mholtóir. After ár (our) it stays ár moltóir, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between moltóir and réiteoir?
Both can mean referee in sport; réiteoir is common in soccer and rugby, while moltóir is widely used in GAA and also means an adjudicator at a competition such as a feis.
Is moltóir related to the verb mol?
Yes, moltóir comes from mol, to praise or recommend, so it originally meant one who praises or judges.
