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Sorcery in Irish (Asarlaíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘asarlaíocht’ also means: conjuring tricks

The Irish for sorcery is asarlaíocht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “sorcery” in Irish

Irish:
asarlaíocht
English:
sorcery, conjuring tricks
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“AS-ur-lee-ukht”  /ˈasˠəɾˠl̪ˠiəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
asarlaíochta, na hasarlaíochta (e.g. leabhar asarlaíochta, a book of sorcery)

What does “asarlaíocht” mean?

“Asarlaíocht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

sorcery
The practice of magic or witchcraft, using supernatural powers or spells.Also: magic, witchcraft, wizardry, occultism.
1 other meaning: conjuring tricks
2conjuring tricks
Tricks done to entertain people, making things seem to appear or disappear by magic.Also: conjuring, magic tricks, sleight of hand.

“Asarlaíocht” with the article

Here is asarlaíocht after the article (an t-alt).

an asarlaíocht
the sorcery
No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

“Asarlaíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using asarlaíocht, the Irish word for sorcery.

Creideann sé go láidir san asarlaíocht.
He firmly believes in sorcery.
Bhí an asarlaíocht coitianta sna seanscéalta.
Sorcery was common in the old stories.
Cuireadh asarlaíocht ina leith fadó.
Long ago she was accused of witchcraft.
Léigh mé leabhar faoi asarlaíocht na meánaoiseanna.
I read a book about medieval sorcery.
Rinne an fear asarlaíocht ag an gcóisir.
The man did conjuring tricks at the party.
Is maith le mo mhac scannáin faoi asarlaíocht.
My son likes films about magic.
Ní raibh ann ach asarlaíocht agus cleasa.
It was nothing but trickery and conjuring.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Sorcery in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for sorcery?

The Irish for sorcery is asarlaíocht (pronounced “AS-ur-lee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean conjuring tricks.

How do you pronounce asarlaíocht in Irish?

Asarlaíocht is said like “AS-ur-lee-ukht” (IPA /ˈasˠəɾˠl̪ˠiəxt̪ˠ/).

Does asarlaíocht have a plural?

No plural form is given for asarlaíocht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does asarlaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Asarlaíocht can mean sorcery or conjuring tricks, depending on context; the first is the most common.

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

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an asarlaíocht (the sorcery), a hasarlaíocht (her sorcery), a n-asarlaíocht (their sorcery).

What is the difference between asarlaíocht and draíocht?

Draíocht is the general word for magic or enchantment, often in a positive sense, while asarlaíocht usually suggests sorcery, witchcraft or the occult. A magician or sorcerer is an asarlaí.

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