Spider in Irish (Damhán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for spider?

The Irish for spider is damhán (pronounced “DOW-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is damháin. Depending on context it can also mean ox calf.

Q: What is the plural of spider in Irish?

The plural of damhán is damháin; with the article, na damháin means “the spiders”. The genitive plural is damhán, as in líonta na ndamhán (the webs of the spiders).

Q: Does damhán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Damhán can mean spider or ox calf, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “spider” in Irish

Irish:: damhán
English:: spider, ox calf
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “DOW-awn” /ˈd̪ˠawɑːnˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: damháin (spiders)
Genitive singular:: damháin, an damháin (e.g. líon an damháin, the spider's web)
Genitive plural:: damhán, na ndamhán (e.g. líonta na ndamhán, the webs of the spiders)

What does “damhán” mean?

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

spider: A small eight-legged creature that spins webs; in this sense the word is normally used in the phrase 'damhán alla'.Also: arachnid.

1 other meaning: ox calf

2ox calf: A young male calf of cattle, a young bullock.Also: bullock calf, young ox, steer calf.

“Damhán” with the article

The plural of spider in Irish is damháin. Here is damhán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an damhán

the spider

No change after an

na damháin

the spiders

Plural: no change after na

“Damhán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using damhán, the Irish word for spider.

Tá damhán alla mór sa seomra folctha.

There's a big spider in the bathroom.

Chuir mé an damhán alla amach an fhuinneog.

I put the spider out the window.

Bhí damhán alla ag déanamh lín sa chúinne.

A spider was making a web in the corner.

Chonaic mé dhá dhamhán alla sa gharáiste.

I saw two spiders in the garage.

Níl ann ach damhán alla beag.

It's only a little spider.

Bhí eagla orm roimh an damhán alla.

I was afraid of the spider.

Tá na damháin alla sa tseid arís.

The spiders are in the shed again.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

leibhéallevel seoladhaddress grúpagroup corturn CorcaighCork gréasánweb

Spider in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for spider?

The Irish for spider is damhán (pronounced “DOW-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is damháin. Depending on context it can also mean ox calf.

How do you pronounce damhán in Irish?

Damhán is said like “DOW-awn” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠawɑːnˠ/).

What is the plural of spider in Irish?

The plural of damhán is damháin; with the article, na damháin means “the spiders”. The genitive plural is damhán, as in líonta na ndamhán (the webs of the spiders).

Does damhán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Damhán can mean spider or ox calf, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does damhán change to dhamhán or ndamhán?

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

Is 'damhán' the word for spider?

The everyday word for a spider is 'damhán alla'; on its own 'damhán' usually means a young ox or ox calf, a mainly literary use.

Spider in Irish (Damhán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage