HeyRuaHow to say “skeleton” in Irish
- Irish:
- cnámharlach
- English:
- skeleton, skinny person, framework
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KNAW-wur-lukh” /ˈkn̪ˠɑːwəɾˠl̪ˠəx/
- Plural:
- cnámharlaigh (skeletons)
- Genitive singular:
- cnámharlaigh, an chnámharlaigh (e.g. cnámha an chnámharlaigh, the bones of the skeleton)
- Genitive plural:
- cnámharlach, na gcnámharlach (e.g. bailiúchán na gcnámharlach, the collection of the skeletons)
What does “cnámharlach” mean?
“Cnámharlach” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- skeleton
- The framework of bones that supports the body of a person or animal.Also: bones, bony frame.
2 other meanings: skinny person or framework
- 2skinny person
- A very thin, bony person or animal, used figuratively.Also: bag of bones, emaciated person.
- 3framework
- The bare frame or outline of something, such as a building or a plan.Also: frame, skeleton outline.
Other Irish words for skeleton: cnámhlach (skeleton)
“Cnámharlach” with the article
The plural of skeleton in Irish is cnámharlaigh. Here is cnámharlach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cnámharlach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cnámharlach, the Irish word for skeleton.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Skeleton in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for skeleton?
The Irish for skeleton is cnámharlach (pronounced “KNAW-wur-lukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cnámharlaigh. Depending on context it can also mean skinny person or framework.
How do you pronounce cnámharlach in Irish?
Cnámharlach is said like “KNAW-wur-lukh” (IPA /ˈkn̪ˠɑːwəɾˠl̪ˠəx/).
What is the plural of skeleton in Irish?
The plural of cnámharlach is cnámharlaigh; with the article, na cnámharlaigh means “the skeletons”. The genitive plural is cnámharlach, as in bailiúchán na gcnámharlach (the collection of the skeletons).
Does cnámharlach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cnámharlach can mean skeleton, skinny person or framework, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cnámharlach change to chnámharlach or gcnámharlach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cnámharlach becomes mo chnámharlach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcnámharlach (eclipsis).
How is cnámharlach related to cnámh?
Cnámharlach is built on cnámh, 'bone', so it literally means a collection or frame of bones.
