Sentry in Irish (Foraire): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for sentry?

The Irish for sentry is foraire (pronounced “FOR-ar-uh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is forairí. Depending on context it can also mean watch.

Q: What is the plural of sentry in Irish?

The plural of foraire is forairí; with the article, na forairí means “the sentries”. The genitive plural is forairí, as in ceannaire na bhforairí (the leader of the sentries).

Q: Does foraire have more than one meaning?

Yes. Foraire can mean sentry or watch, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “sentry” in Irish

Irish:: foraire
English:: sentry, watch
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “FOR-ar-uh” /ˈfɔɾˠəɾʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: forairí (sentries)
Genitive singular:: foraire, na foraire (e.g. cruinniú na foraire, the sentry's meeting)
Genitive plural:: forairí, na bhforairí (e.g. ceannaire na bhforairí, the leader of the sentries)

What does “foraire” mean?

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

sentry: A person who keeps watch or stands guard, such as a soldier on duty or a lookout.Also: lookout, watchman, guard, sentinel.

1 other meaning: watch

2watch: The act or duty of keeping watch, especially in the phrase 'ar foraire', on guard.Also: guard duty, vigil, lookout.

“Foraire” with the article

The plural of sentry in Irish is forairí. Here is foraire after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fhoraire

the sentry

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

na forairí

the sentries

Plural: no change after na

“Foraire” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using foraire, the Irish word for sentry.

Bhí foraire ina sheasamh ag an ngeata.

A sentry was standing at the gate.

Bhí sé ar foraire ar feadh na hoíche.

He was on watch all night.

Chonaic an fhoraire na soilse ag teacht.

The lookout saw the lights approaching.

Cuireadh forairí timpeall an champa.

Sentries were posted around the camp.

Thit an fhoraire ina chodladh ar dualgas.

The sentry fell asleep on duty.

Bígí ar foraire, tá an namhaid in aice linn.

Be on guard, the enemy is near us.

Athraíodh na forairí ag meán oíche.

The sentries were changed at midnight.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

cosfoot dochtúirdoctor farraigesea tabhairtgiving tráthtime teachtcoming

Sentry in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for sentry?

The Irish for sentry is foraire (pronounced “FOR-ar-uh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is forairí. Depending on context it can also mean watch.

How do you pronounce foraire in Irish?

Foraire is said like “FOR-ar-uh” (IPA /ˈfɔɾˠəɾʲə/).

What is the plural of sentry in Irish?

The plural of foraire is forairí; with the article, na forairí means “the sentries”. The genitive plural is forairí, as in ceannaire na bhforairí (the leader of the sentries).

Does foraire have more than one meaning?

Yes. Foraire can mean sentry or watch, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does foraire change to fhoraire or bhforaire?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) foraire becomes m'fhoraire (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhforaire (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'foraire' and 'faire'?

'Faire' usually means watching or a wake for the dead, while 'foraire' means a sentry or guard duty, as in 'ar foraire', on watch.

Sentry in Irish (Foraire): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage