HeyRuaHow to say “robber” in Irish
- Irish:
- meirleach
- English:
- robber, rascal
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MER-lukh” /ˈmʲɛɾˠlʲəx/
- Plural:
- meirligh (robbers)
- Genitive singular:
- meirligh, an mheirligh (e.g. uaimh an mheirligh, the robber's cave)
- Genitive plural:
- meirleach, na meirleach (e.g. buíon na meirleach, the band of robbers)
What does “meirleach” mean?
“Meirleach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- robber
- A person who steals, especially by force; a thief or bandit.Also: thief, bandit, outlaw, malefactor.
“Meirleach” with the article
The plural of robber in Irish is meirligh. Here is meirleach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Meirleach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using meirleach, the Irish word for robber.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Robber in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for robber?
The Irish for robber is meirleach (pronounced “MER-lukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is meirligh. Depending on context it can also mean rascal.
How do you pronounce meirleach in Irish?
Meirleach is said like “MER-lukh” (IPA /ˈmʲɛɾˠlʲəx/).
What is the plural of robber in Irish?
The plural of meirleach is meirligh; with the article, na meirligh means “the robbers”. The genitive plural is meirleach, as in buíon na meirleach (the band of robbers).
Does meirleach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Meirleach can mean robber or rascal, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does meirleach change to mheirleach?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mheirleach. After ár (our) it stays ár meirleach, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between meirleach and gadaí?
Gadaí is the everyday word for a thief, while meirleach suggests a robber or outlaw, often violent or living outside the law, and can also mean a rascal.
