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Sweeping in Irish (Scuabadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘scuabadh’ also means: sweeping away

The Irish for sweeping is scuabadh, a masculine noun. Ag scuabadh is sweeping, from the verb scuab.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “sweeping” in Irish

Irish:
scuabadh
English:
sweeping, sweeping away
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
scuab, to sweep (ag scuabadh, sweeping)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“SKOO-uh-buh”  /ˈsˠkuəbˠə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
scuabtha, an scuabtha (e.g. am scuabtha, time for sweeping)

What does “scuabadh” mean?

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

sweeping
The act of sweeping or brushing something clean; the verbal noun of the verb scuab.Also: brushing, sweep.
1 other meaning: sweeping away
2sweeping away
The act of carrying something off suddenly or forcefully, as by wind or water; also the verbal noun of scuab.Also: carrying off, whisking away.

“Scuabadh” as a verbal noun

After ag, scuabadh means sweeping: it is the verbal noun of the verb scuab (to sweep). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
scuabadhverbal noun
=
ag scuabadhsweeping

“Scuabadh” with the article

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

an scuabadh
the sweeping
No change after an

“Scuabadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using scuabadh, the Irish word for sweeping.

Tá scuabadh maith ag teastáil ón urlár seo.
This floor needs a good sweep.
Bhí sí ag scuabadh na cistine ar maidin.
She was sweeping the kitchen this morning.
Thosaigh mé ag scuabadh an chlóis tar éis na stoirme.
I started sweeping the yard after the storm.
Is é an scuabadh an obair is fearr liom.
Sweeping is the job I like best.
Thug sé scuabadh tapa don staighre.
He gave the stairs a quick sweep.
Bhí an ghaoth ag scuabadh na nduilleog síos an bóthar.
The wind was sweeping the leaves down the road.
Tá an scuabadh déanta agam anois.
I've done the sweeping now.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Sweeping in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for sweeping?

The Irish for sweeping is scuabadh (pronounced “SKOO-uh-buh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean sweeping away.

How do you pronounce scuabadh in Irish?

Scuabadh is said like “SKOO-uh-buh” (IPA /ˈsˠkuəbˠə/).

Does scuabadh have a plural?

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

Does scuabadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Scuabadh can mean sweeping or sweeping away, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say 'sweeping the floor' in Irish?

Use ag scuabadh with the genitive: ag scuabadh an urláir, 'sweeping the floor'.

What is the difference between scuab and scuabadh?

Scuab is the noun 'brush' or 'broom' (and the verb 'sweep'), while scuabadh is the act of sweeping.

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