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Ribbon in Irish (Ribín): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘ribín’ also means: tape · trail

The Irish for ribbon is ribín, a masculine noun (plural ribíní).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “ribbon” in Irish

Irish:
ribín
English:
ribbon, tape, trail
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“RIB-een”  /ˈɾʲɪbʲiːnʲ/
Various forms
Plural:
ribíní (ribbons)
Genitive singular:
ribín, an ribín (e.g. dath an ribín, the colour of the ribbon)
Genitive plural:
ribíní, na ribíní (e.g. dathanna na ribíní, the colours of the ribbons)

What does “ribín” mean?

“Ribín” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

ribbon
A narrow strip of cloth used for tying or decoration.Also: bow, hair ribbon.
2 other meanings: tape or trail
2tape
A narrow strip of material, such as measuring tape or recording tape.Also: strip, band.
3trail
A thin streak or trail of something, such as smoke or mist.Also: streak, wisp.

“Ribín” with the article

The plural of ribbon in Irish is ribíní. Here is ribín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an ribín
the ribbon
No change after an
na ribíní
the ribbons
Plural: no change after na

“Ribín” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ribín, the Irish word for ribbon.

Cheannaigh sí ribín dearg sa siopa.
She bought a red ribbon in the shop.
Tá an ribín róghearr don bhronntanas.
The ribbon is too short for the present.
Cheangail sí a cuid gruaige le ribín gorm.
She tied her hair with a blue ribbon.
Gearradh an ribín ag oscailt na scoile nua.
The ribbon was cut at the opening of the new school.
Bhí ribíní ildaite ar an gcrann Nollag.
There were colourful ribbons on the Christmas tree.
Chaill mé mo ribín tomhais arís.
I lost my tape measure again.
Ní raibh dóthain ribín i mo mhála.
There wasn't enough ribbon in my bag.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Ribbon in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for ribbon?

The Irish for ribbon is ribín (pronounced “RIB-een”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ribíní. Depending on context it can also mean tape or trail.

How do you pronounce ribín in Irish?

Ribín is said like “RIB-een” (IPA /ˈɾʲɪbʲiːnʲ/).

What is the plural of ribbon in Irish?

The plural of ribín is ribíní; with the article, na ribíní means “the ribbons”. The genitive plural is ribíní, as in dathanna na ribíní (the colours of the ribbons).

Does ribín have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ribín can mean ribbon, tape or trail, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Is 'ribín' the same as 'téip'?

Not quite: 'ribín' is usually a decorative ribbon, while 'téip' is the usual word for adhesive or recording tape, though 'ribín tomhais' means tape measure.

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