Shell in Irish (Sliogán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for shell?

The Irish for shell is sliogán (pronounced “shlih-GAWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is sliogáin. Depending on context it can also mean shell (projectile).

Q: What is the plural of shell in Irish?

The plural of sliogán is sliogáin; with the article, na sliogáin means “the shells”. The genitive plural is sliogán, as in bailiúchán na sliogán (the shell collection).

Q: Does sliogán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Sliogán can mean shell or shell (projectile), depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “shell” in Irish

Irish:: sliogán
English:: shell, shell (projectile)
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “shlih-GAWN” /ʃlʲəˈɡɑːnˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: sliogáin (shells)
Genitive singular:: sliogáin, an tsliogáin (e.g. dath an tsliogáin, the colour of the shell)
Genitive plural:: sliogán, na sliogán (e.g. bailiúchán na sliogán, the shell collection)

What does “sliogán” mean?

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

shell: The hard outer covering of a shellfish, snail or similar creature, especially one found on the shore.Also: seashell, conch, shellfish shell.

1 other meaning: shell (projectile)

2shell (projectile): An explosive projectile or its casing, fired from a gun or mortar.Also: shell, artillery shell, cartridge case.

Other Irish words for shell: blaosc (shell)

“Sliogán” with the article

The plural of shell in Irish is sliogáin. Here is sliogán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an sliogán

the shell

No change after an

na sliogáin

the shells

Plural: no change after na

“Sliogán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using sliogán, the Irish word for shell.

Fuair mé sliogán álainn ar an trá.

I found a beautiful shell on the beach.

Cuir an sliogán le do chluas.

Put the shell to your ear.

Bhí poll beag i lár an tsliogáin.

There was a small hole in the middle of the shell.

Bhailigh na páistí sliogáin cois farraige.

The children gathered shells by the sea.

Choinnigh mé mo shliogán is fearr sa bhosca.

I kept my best shell in the box.

Tá seilide ina chónaí i sliogán.

A snail lives in a shell.

Thit sliogáin ar an mbaile le linn an chogaidh.

Shells fell on the town during the war.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Shell in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for shell?

The Irish for shell is sliogán (pronounced “shlih-GAWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is sliogáin. Depending on context it can also mean shell (projectile).

How do you pronounce sliogán in Irish?

Sliogán is said like “shlih-GAWN” (IPA /ʃlʲəˈɡɑːnˠ/).

What is the plural of shell in Irish?

The plural of sliogán is sliogáin; with the article, na sliogáin means “the shells”. The genitive plural is sliogán, as in bailiúchán na sliogán (the shell collection).

Does sliogán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Sliogán can mean shell or shell (projectile), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does sliogán change to shliogán?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shliogán. After ár (our) it stays ár sliogán, because s does not take eclipsis.

What is the difference between sliogán and blaosc?

Sliogán is a shell of a sea creature or snail, while blaosc is usually an eggshell, nutshell or the skull.

Shell in Irish (Sliogán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage