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Spreading in Irish (Leathadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘leathadh’ also means: opening out

The Irish for spreading is leathadh, a masculine noun. Ag leathadh is spreading, from the verb leath.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “spreading” in Irish

Irish:
leathadh
English:
spreading, opening out
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
leath, to spread (ag leathadh, spreading)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“LA-huh”  /ˈl̠ʲahə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
leata, an leata (e.g. ráta an leata, the rate of spread)

What does “leathadh” mean?

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

spreading
The act of spreading something out or of something spreading; verbal noun of the verb 'leath'.Also: spread, diffusion, scattering.
1 other meaning: opening out
2opening out
The act of opening or widening something, such as a door or the eyes; also dilation or expansion.Also: dilation, expansion, widening.

Other Irish words for spreading: scaipeadh (scattering), spré (spreading)

“Leathadh” as a verbal noun

After ag, leathadh means spreading: it is the verbal noun of the verb leath (to spread). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
leathadhverbal noun
=
ag leathadhspreading

“Leathadh” with the article

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

an leathadh
the spreading
No change after an

“Leathadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using leathadh, the Irish word for spreading.

Bhí an doras ar leathadh nuair a tháinig mé.
The door was wide open when I arrived.
Tá an scéal sin ag leathadh go tapa.
That story is spreading quickly.
Chuir siad stop le leathadh na tine.
They stopped the fire from spreading.
Bhí a súile ar leathadh le hiontas.
Her eyes were wide with wonder.
Is cúis imní leathadh an fhliú.
The spread of the flu is a cause for concern.
Tá leathadh an víris ag dul i méid gach lá.
The spread of the virus is increasing every day.
Bhí na seolta ar leathadh sa ghaoth.
The sails were spread out in the wind.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Spreading in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for spreading?

The Irish for spreading is leathadh (pronounced “LA-huh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean opening out.

How do you pronounce leathadh in Irish?

Leathadh is said like “LA-huh” (IPA /ˈl̠ʲahə/).

Does leathadh have a plural?

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

Does leathadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leathadh can mean spreading or opening out, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What does 'ar leathadh' mean?

'Ar leathadh' means wide open or spread out, as in 'bhí an doras ar leathadh', the door was wide open.

How is 'leathadh' different from 'scaipeadh'?

'Leathadh' stresses spreading or opening out over an area, while 'scaipeadh' stresses scattering or dispersing in different directions.

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