HeyRua Get the app

Small wheel in Irish (Roithleán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘roithleán’ also means: pulley · reel · confusion

The Irish for small wheel is roithleán, a masculine noun (plural roithleáin).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “small wheel” in Irish

Irish:
roithleán
English:
small wheel, pulley, reel, confusion
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“RIH-lawn”  /ˈɾˠɪhlʲaːnˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
roithleáin (small wheels)
Genitive singular:
roithleáin, an roithleáin (e.g. téad an roithleáin, the rope of the pulley)
Genitive plural:
roithleán, na roithleán (e.g. córas na roithleán, the pulley system)

What does “roithleán” mean?

“Roithleán” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

small wheel
A small wheel or round revolving disc, not usually one on a vehicle.Also: wheel, disc, roller, caster.
3 other meanings: pulley or reel or confusion
2pulley
A wheel with a groove over which a rope or belt runs, used for lifting or driving.Also: sheave, block.
3reel
A round spool on which thread, line or tape is wound.Also: spool, bobbin.
4confusion
A whirling state of mind, mental confusion or dizziness.Also: whirl, dizziness.

“Roithleán” with the article

The plural of small wheel in Irish is roithleáin. Here is roithleán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an roithleán
the small wheel
No change after an
na roithleáin
the small wheels
Plural: no change after na

“Roithleán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using roithleán, the Irish word for small wheel.

Tá roithleán briste ar an gcathaoir seo.
There's a broken caster on this chair.
Chuir sé an téad thar an roithleán.
He put the rope over the pulley.
Bhí na roithleáin ag casadh go tapa.
The wheels were spinning fast.
Thit an rópa de chiumhais an roithleáin.
The rope slipped off the edge of the pulley.
Cuir an snáth ar mo roithleán, le do thoil.
Put the thread on my spool, please.
Tá dhá roithleán sa mheaisín sin.
There are two pulleys in that machine.
Bhí mo cheann i roithleán tar éis an lae.
My head was in a whirl after the day.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Small wheel in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for small wheel?

The Irish for small wheel is roithleán (pronounced “RIH-lawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is roithleáin. Depending on context it can also mean pulley or reel or confusion.

How do you pronounce roithleán in Irish?

Roithleán is said like “RIH-lawn” (IPA /ˈɾˠɪhlʲaːnˠ/).

What is the plural of small wheel in Irish?

The plural of roithleán is roithleáin; with the article, na roithleáin means “the small wheels”. The genitive plural is roithleán, as in córas na roithleán (the pulley system).

Does roithleán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Roithleán can mean small wheel, pulley, reel or confusion, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How is 'roithleán' different from 'roth'?

'Roth' is the general word for a wheel, such as on a car or bicycle, while 'roithleán' is a small wheel, pulley, roller or reel.

Learn Irish by
actually speaking it

Learn everyday Irish words like roithleán through guided conversation with Rua.

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

The HeyRua app home screen