Shepherd in Irish (Aoire): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for shepherd?

The Irish for shepherd is aoire (pronounced “EE-ruh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is aoirí. Depending on context it can also mean whip or pastor.

Q: What is the plural of shepherd in Irish?

The plural of aoire is aoirí; with the article, na haoirí means “the shepherds”. The genitive plural is aoirí, as in saol na n-aoirí (the life of shepherds).

Q: Does aoire have more than one meaning?

Yes. Aoire can mean shepherd, whip or pastor, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “shepherd” in Irish

Irish:: aoire
English:: shepherd, whip, pastor
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “EE-ruh” /ˈiːɾʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: aoirí (shepherds)
Genitive singular:: aoire, an aoire (e.g. madra an aoire, the shepherd's dog)
Genitive plural:: aoirí, na n-aoirí (e.g. saol na n-aoirí, the life of shepherds)

What does “aoire” mean?

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

shepherd: A person who looks after sheep or other grazing animals.Also: herdsman, herder, cowherd.

2 other meanings: whip or pastor

2whip: A party official in parliament who makes sure members attend and vote with the party.Also: party whip, chief whip.
3pastor: Figuratively, a spiritual leader who cares for a flock of believers.Also: spiritual shepherd.

“Aoire” with the article

The plural of shepherd in Irish is aoirí. Here is aoire after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an t-aoire

the shepherd

Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

na haoirí

the shepherds

Plural: na adds h before a vowel

“Aoire” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using aoire, the Irish word for shepherd.

Bhí aoire ag tabhairt aire do na caoirigh.

A shepherd was minding the sheep.

Tháinig an t-aoire anuas ón sliabh tráthnóna.

The shepherd came down from the mountain in the evening.

Bhí bata an aoire fágtha ag an doras.

The shepherd's stick was left at the door.

Bhí na haoirí amuigh ar an sliabh.

The shepherds were out on the mountain.

B'aoire é mo sheanathair ar feadh a shaoil.

My grandfather was a shepherd all his life.

Labhair aoire an pháirtí leis na Teachtaí Dála.

The party whip spoke to the TDs.

Ceapadh ina phríomh-aoire sa Dáil é.

He was appointed chief whip in the Dáil.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Shepherd in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for shepherd?

The Irish for shepherd is aoire (pronounced “EE-ruh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is aoirí. Depending on context it can also mean whip or pastor.

How do you pronounce aoire in Irish?

Aoire is said like “EE-ruh” (IPA /ˈiːɾʲə/).

What is the plural of shepherd in Irish?

The plural of aoire is aoirí; with the article, na haoirí means “the shepherds”. The genitive plural is aoirí, as in saol na n-aoirí (the life of shepherds).

Does aoire have more than one meaning?

Yes. Aoire can mean shepherd, whip or pastor, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does aoire sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-aoire (the shepherd), a haoire (her shepherd), a n-aoire (their shepherd), na haoirí (the shepherds).

What is the verb related to 'aoire'?

The verb is 'aoirigh', meaning to herd or shepherd, with the verbal noun 'aoireacht', herding.

How do you say 'sheepdog' in Irish?

A sheepdog is 'madra caorach' or 'madra aoire'.

Shepherd in Irish (Aoire): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage