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Supremacy in Irish (Ardcheannas): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘ardcheannas’ also means: high command

The Irish for supremacy is ardcheannas, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “supremacy” in Irish

Irish:
ardcheannas
English:
supremacy, high command
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“AWRD-khyan-us”  /ˈaːɾˠd̪ˠˌçan̪ˠəsˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
ardcheannais, an ardcheannais (e.g. cearta an ardcheannais, the rights of sovereignty)

What does “ardcheannas” mean?

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

supremacy
The state of having the highest authority or power over others.Also: sovereignty, overlordship, supreme authority.
1 other meaning: high command
2high command
The highest military authority directing an army or armed forces.Also: supreme command, command.

“Ardcheannas” with the article

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

an t-ardcheannas
the supremacy
Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

“Ardcheannas” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ardcheannas, the Irish word for supremacy.

Bhí ardcheannas ag an rí ar an tír ar fad.
The king had supremacy over the whole country.
Throid siad in aghaidh ardcheannas na Sasanach.
They fought against English supremacy.
Tá an t-ardcheannas ag an bParlaimint.
Parliament holds sovereign authority.
Thug an t-ardcheannas ordú don arm cúlú.
The high command ordered the army to retreat.
Ní ghlacfaidh siad le hardcheannas aon tíre eile.
They will not accept the supremacy of any other country.
Bhí ceist an ardcheannais ina cnámh spairne.
The question of sovereignty was a bone of contention.
Sheol an ginearál tuairisc chuig an ardcheannas.
The general sent a report to the high command.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Supremacy in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for supremacy?

The Irish for supremacy is ardcheannas (pronounced “AWRD-khyan-us”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean high command.

How do you pronounce ardcheannas in Irish?

Ardcheannas is said like “AWRD-khyan-us” (IPA /ˈaːɾˠd̪ˠˌçan̪ˠəsˠ/).

Does ardcheannas have a plural?

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

Does ardcheannas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ardcheannas can mean supremacy or high command, depending on context; the first is the most common.

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

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-ardcheannas (the supremacy), a hardcheannas (her supremacy), a n-ardcheannas (their supremacy).

How does 'ardcheannas' differ from 'ceannas'?

'Ceannas' means command or leadership in general, while 'ardcheannas' adds 'ard' (high) to mean supreme authority or the high command.

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