Shoot in Irish (Buinneán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for shoot?

The Irish for shoot is buinneán (pronounced “BIN-yawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is buinneáin. Depending on context it can also mean sapling or scion.

Q: What is the plural of shoot in Irish?

The plural of buinneán is buinneáin; with the article, na buinneáin means “the shoots”. The genitive plural is buinneán, as in fás na mbuinneán (the growth of the shoots).

Q: Does buinneán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Buinneán can mean shoot, sapling or scion, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “shoot” in Irish

Irish:: buinneán
English:: shoot, sapling, scion
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “BIN-yawn” /ˈbˠɪnʲaːnˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: buinneáin (shoots)
Genitive singular:: buinneáin, an bhuinneáin (e.g. barr an bhuinneáin, the tip of the shoot)
Genitive plural:: buinneán, na mbuinneán (e.g. fás na mbuinneán, the growth of the shoots)

What does “buinneán” mean?

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

shoot: A young stem or sprout growing from a plant.Also: sprout, sprig, young growth.

2 other meanings: sapling or scion

2sapling: A young, slender tree.Also: young tree, twig.
3scion: A descendant or offspring of a family, used figuratively.Also: offspring, descendant.

Other Irish words for shoot: péacán (sprout), scannánaigh (film), lámhach (shoot)

“Buinneán” with the article

The plural of shoot in Irish is buinneáin. Here is buinneán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an buinneán

the shoot

No change after an

na buinneáin

the shoots

Plural: no change after na

“Buinneán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using buinneán, the Irish word for shoot.

Tá buinneán nua ag fás ar an rós.

A new shoot is growing on the rose.

Bhris an buinneán sa ghaoth.

The shoot broke in the wind.

Tá na buinneáin ag teacht aníos san earrach.

The shoots are coming up in spring.

Ghearr sé barr an bhuinneáin le siosúr.

He cut the tip of the shoot with scissors.

Chuir mé buinneáin sa ghairdín inné.

I planted saplings in the garden yesterday.

Tá duilleoga beaga ar mo bhuinneán fós.

My sapling still has small leaves.

Bhí sé ina bhuinneán den seanfhuil.

He was a scion of the old stock.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Shoot in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for shoot?

The Irish for shoot is buinneán (pronounced “BIN-yawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is buinneáin. Depending on context it can also mean sapling or scion.

How do you pronounce buinneán in Irish?

Buinneán is said like “BIN-yawn” (IPA /ˈbˠɪnʲaːnˠ/).

What is the plural of shoot in Irish?

The plural of buinneán is buinneáin; with the article, na buinneáin means “the shoots”. The genitive plural is buinneán, as in fás na mbuinneán (the growth of the shoots).

Does buinneán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Buinneán can mean shoot, sapling or scion, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does buinneán change to bhuinneán or mbuinneán?

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

What is the difference between 'buinneán' and 'péacán'?

'Péacán' is a sprout just emerging from a seed or bulb, while 'buinneán' is usually a young shoot or slender stem growing from a plant or tree.

Shoot in Irish (Buinneán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage