HeyRuaHow to say “skull” in Irish
- Irish:
- cloigeann
- English:
- skull, head, person, head (in counting)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KLIG-un” /ˈkl̪ˠɪɟən̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- cloigne (skulls)
- Genitive singular:
- cloiginn, an chloiginn (e.g. cnámha an chloiginn, the bones of the skull)
- Genitive plural:
- cloigne, na gcloigne (e.g. carn na gcloigne, the heap of skulls)
What does “cloigeann” mean?
“Cloigeann” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- skull
- The bony frame of the head that protects the brain.Also: cranium, head bone.
2 other meanings: head or person, head (in counting)
- 2head
- The head of a person or animal, often used informally or emphatically.Also: noggin, pate.
- 3person, head (in counting)
- An individual counted as one of a number of people, as in a head count.Also: head, person, individual, head count.
Other Irish words for skull: ceann (head)
“Cloigeann” with the article
The plural of skull in Irish is cloigne. Here is cloigeann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cloigeann” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cloigeann, the Irish word for skull.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Skull in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for skull?
The Irish for skull is cloigeann (pronounced “KLIG-un”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cloigne. Depending on context it can also mean head or person, head (in counting).
How do you pronounce cloigeann in Irish?
Cloigeann is said like “KLIG-un” (IPA /ˈkl̪ˠɪɟən̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of skull in Irish?
The plural of cloigeann is cloigne; with the article, na cloigne means “the skulls”. The genitive plural is cloigne, as in carn na gcloigne (the heap of skulls).
Does cloigeann have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cloigeann can mean skull, head or person, head (in counting), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cloigeann change to chloigeann or gcloigeann?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cloigeann becomes mo chloigeann (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcloigeann (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'cloigeann' and 'ceann'?
'Ceann' is the ordinary word for head, while 'cloigeann' means skull and is used for the head in a more physical or informal way.
Can 'cloigeann' be used for counting people?
Yes, informally, like a head count: 'bhí fiche cloigeann ann' means there were twenty people there.
