Seabed in Irish (Grinneall): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for seabed?

The Irish for seabed is grinneall (pronounced “GRIN-yuhl”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean shallow water.

Q: Does grinneall have more than one meaning?

Yes. Grinneall can mean seabed or shallow water, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “seabed” in Irish

Irish:: grinneall
English:: seabed, shallow water
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “GRIN-yuhl” /ˈɡɾʲɪnʲəl̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: grinnill, an ghrinnill (e.g. ainmhithe an ghrinnill, creatures of the seabed)

What does “grinneall” mean?

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

seabed: The bottom of the sea, a lake or a river.Also: sea floor, bottom of the sea, riverbed, lake bed.

1 other meaning: shallow water

2shallow water: Shallow water near the shore or the bottom of the water, as used in some phrases.Also: shallows, bottom.

“Grinneall” with the article

Here is grinneall after the article (an t-alt).

an grinneall

the seabed

No change after an

“Grinneall” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using grinneall, the Irish word for seabed.

Chuaigh an long go grinneall.

The ship went to the bottom.

Tá an grinneall clúdaithe le gaineamh.

The seabed is covered with sand.

Chonaic an tumadóir sliogáin ar an ngrinneall.

The diver saw shells on the seabed.

Bhí ainmhithe aisteacha ina gcónaí ar an ngrinneall.

Strange creatures lived on the sea floor.

Rinne siad léarscáil de ghrinneall an locha.

They made a map of the lake bed.

Tá an t-uisce chomh glan go bhfeicfeá an grinneall.

The water is so clear you could see the bottom.

Fuarthas an seanbhád ar ghrinneall na farraige.

The old boat was found on the bottom of the sea.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

caoiway contaecounty líneline páirtíparty dlílaw ealaínart

Seabed in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for seabed?

The Irish for seabed is grinneall (pronounced “GRIN-yuhl”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean shallow water.

How do you pronounce grinneall in Irish?

Grinneall is said like “GRIN-yuhl” (IPA /ˈɡɾʲɪnʲəl̪ˠ/).

Does grinneall have a plural?

No plural form is given for grinneall in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does grinneall have more than one meaning?

Yes. Grinneall can mean seabed or shallow water, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does grinneall change to ghrinneall or ngrinneall?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) grinneall becomes mo ghrinneall (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngrinneall (eclipsis).

How do I say 'to the bottom' with grinneall?

Use 'go grinneall', as in 'chuaigh sé go grinneall', meaning it sank to the bottom. Figuratively, 'dul go grinneall i rud' means to go into something thoroughly.

What is the difference between grinneall and bun?

'Bun' is a general word for the bottom or base of anything, while 'grinneall' specifically means the bed or bottom of a body of water.

Seabed in Irish (Grinneall): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage