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Ruler in Irish (Rialtóir): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘rialtóir’ also means: controller

The Irish for ruler is rialtóir, a masculine noun (plural rialtóirí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “ruler” in Irish

Irish:
rialtóir
English:
ruler, controller
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“REE-ul-tor”  /ˈrʲiəl̪ˠt̪ˠoːɾʲ/
Various forms
Plural:
rialtóirí (rulers)
Genitive singular:
rialtóra, an rialtóra (e.g. cumhacht an rialtóra, the power of the ruler)
Genitive plural:
rialtóirí, na rialtóirí (e.g. stair na rialtóirí, the history of the rulers)

What does “rialtóir” mean?

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

ruler
A person who rules or governs a country or people.Also: governor, sovereign.
1 other meaning: controller
2controller
A person or device that controls or regulates something, such as a machine or process.Also: regulator, governor.

Other Irish words for ruler: rialóir (ruler)

“Rialtóir” with the article

The plural of ruler in Irish is rialtóirí. Here is rialtóir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an rialtóir
the ruler
No change after an
na rialtóirí
the rulers
Plural: no change after na

“Rialtóir” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using rialtóir, the Irish word for ruler.

Bhí sé ina rialtóir cumhachtach ar an tír.
He was a powerful ruler of the country.
Níor thaitin an rialtóir leis na daoine.
The people didn't like the ruler.
Cuireadh dealbh an rialtóra sa chearnóg.
The ruler's statue was put in the square.
Bhí rialtóirí na tíre sin an-dian.
That country's rulers were very harsh.
Bhí an rialtóir sin i gcumhacht ar feadh fiche bliain.
That ruler was in power for twenty years.
Ní raibh muinín acu as a rialtóir nua.
They had no trust in their new ruler.
Rinne na rialtóirí áitiúla cinneadh tábhachtach inné.
The local rulers made an important decision yesterday.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Ruler in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for ruler?

The Irish for ruler is rialtóir (pronounced “REE-ul-tor”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is rialtóirí. Depending on context it can also mean controller.

How do you pronounce rialtóir in Irish?

Rialtóir is said like “REE-ul-tor” (IPA /ˈrʲiəl̪ˠt̪ˠoːɾʲ/).

What is the plural of ruler in Irish?

The plural of rialtóir is rialtóirí; with the article, na rialtóirí means “the rulers”. The genitive plural is rialtóirí, as in stair na rialtóirí (the history of the rulers).

Does rialtóir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Rialtóir can mean ruler or controller, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How is 'rialtóir' different from 'rialóir'?

'Rialtóir' is a ruler who governs or a controller, while 'rialóir' is the measuring ruler you use to draw straight lines.

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