Spool in Irish (Eiteán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for spool?

The Irish for spool is eiteán (pronounced “ET-yaw-n”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is eiteáin. Depending on context it can also mean shuttlecock or coil-former.

Q: What is the plural of spool in Irish?

The plural of eiteán is eiteáin; with the article, na heiteáin means “the spools”. The genitive plural is eiteán, as in snáth na n-eiteán (the thread of the spools).

Q: Does eiteán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Eiteán can mean spool, shuttlecock or coil-former, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “spool” in Irish

Irish:: eiteán
English:: spool, shuttlecock, coil-former
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “ET-yaw-n” /ˈɛtʲɑːn̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: eiteáin (spools)
Genitive singular:: eiteáin, an eiteáin (e.g. lár an eiteáin, the middle of the spool)
Genitive plural:: eiteán, na n-eiteán (e.g. snáth na n-eiteán, the thread of the spools)

What does “eiteán” mean?

“Eiteán” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

spool: A small cylinder on which thread, yarn or film is wound.Also: bobbin, reel, spindle.

2 other meanings: shuttlecock or coil-former

2shuttlecock: The feathered or plastic object hit back and forth in badminton.Also: shuttle, birdie.
3coil-former: A frame or core around which an electrical coil is wound.Also: coil former, former.

“Eiteán” with the article

The plural of spool in Irish is eiteáin. Here is eiteán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an t-eiteán

the spool

Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

na heiteáin

the spools

Plural: na adds h before a vowel

“Eiteán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using eiteán, the Irish word for spool.

Tá an t-eiteán snáithe folamh anois.

The spool of thread is empty now.

Cuir eiteán nua sa mheaisín fuála.

Put a new bobbin in the sewing machine.

Bhuail sí an t-eiteán thar an líon.

She hit the shuttlecock over the net.

Cheannaigh mé trí eiteán snáithe dheirg.

I bought three spools of red thread.

Tá na heiteáin sa tarraiceán.

The bobbins are in the drawer.

Thit m'eiteán faoin mbord.

My spool fell under the table.

Bhí dath an eiteáin ag teacht leis an éadach.

The colour of the spool matched the cloth.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Spool in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for spool?

The Irish for spool is eiteán (pronounced “ET-yaw-n”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is eiteáin. Depending on context it can also mean shuttlecock or coil-former.

How do you pronounce eiteán in Irish?

Eiteán is said like “ET-yaw-n” (IPA /ˈɛtʲɑːn̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of spool in Irish?

The plural of eiteán is eiteáin; with the article, na heiteáin means “the spools”. The genitive plural is eiteán, as in snáth na n-eiteán (the thread of the spools).

Does eiteán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Eiteán can mean spool, shuttlecock or coil-former, depending on context; the first is the most common.

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

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-eiteán (the spool), a heiteán (her spool), a n-eiteán (their spool), na heiteáin (the spools).

Is 'eiteán' the same as 'ríl'?

Both can mean a reel, but 'eiteán' is the usual word for a small spool or bobbin of thread, while 'ríl' is a larger reel, as for a fishing line.

Spool in Irish (Eiteán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage