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Shearing in Irish (Lomadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘lomadh’ also means: stripping · impoverishment

The Irish for shearing is lomadh, a masculine noun. Ag lomadh is stripping, from the verb lom.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “shearing” in Irish

Irish:
lomadh
English:
shearing, stripping, impoverishment
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
lom, to strip (ag lomadh, stripping)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“LUM-uh”  /ˈl̪ˠʊmˠə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
lomtha, an lomtha (e.g. am lomtha na gcaorach, sheep-shearing time)

What does “lomadh” mean?

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

shearing
Verbal noun of the verb 'lom': the act of shearing or clipping, especially the wool off sheep.Also: clipping, fleecing sheep.
2 other meanings: stripping or impoverishment
2stripping
Verbal noun of 'lom': the act of baring or stripping something, such as leaves from trees or the surface of land.Also: baring, denudation, defoliation.
3impoverishment
The act of stripping someone of their money or possessions, leaving them poor.Also: fleecing, stripping bare.

“Lomadh” as a verbal noun

After ag, lomadh means stripping: it is the verbal noun of the verb lom (to strip). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
lomadhverbal noun
=
ag lomadhstripping

“Lomadh” with the article

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

an lomadh
the shearing
No change after an

“Lomadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using lomadh, the Irish word for shearing.

Thosaigh an lomadh ar an bhfeirm inné.
The shearing started on the farm yesterday.
Is obair chrua í lomadh caorach.
Shearing sheep is hard work.
Bhí siad i mbun lomtha ar maidin.
They were busy shearing this morning.
Tá na caoirigh réidh le haghaidh an lomtha.
The sheep are ready for the shearing.
Rinne an stoirm lomadh ar na crainn.
The storm stripped the trees bare.
Chonaic mé lomadh na gcaorach ar an teilifís.
I saw the sheep shearing on television.
Ba é lomadh na tíre a rinne na tiarnaí talún.
The landlords stripped the country bare.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Shearing in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for shearing?

The Irish for shearing is lomadh (pronounced “LUM-uh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean stripping or impoverishment.

How do you pronounce lomadh in Irish?

Lomadh is said like “LUM-uh” (IPA /ˈl̪ˠʊmˠə/).

Does lomadh have a plural?

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

Does lomadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Lomadh can mean shearing, stripping or impoverishment, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between 'lomadh' and 'bearradh'?

'Lomadh' is shearing or stripping bare, typically of sheep, while 'bearradh' is cutting or trimming, as of hair or a hedge.

What is the fleece called after shearing?

The shorn fleece is 'lomra', from the same root as 'lomadh'.

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