Sword in Irish (Claíomh): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for sword?

The Irish for sword is claíomh (pronounced “kleev”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is claimhte.

Q: What is the plural of sword in Irish?

The plural of claíomh is claimhte; with the article, na claimhte means “the swords”. The genitive plural is claimhte, as in fuaim na gclaimhte (the sound of the swords).

How to say “sword” in Irish

Irish:: claíomh
English:: sword
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “kleev” /kl̪ˠiːvˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: claimhte (swords)
Genitive singular:: claímh, an chlaímh (e.g. lann an chlaímh, the blade of the sword)
Genitive plural:: claimhte, na gclaimhte (e.g. fuaim na gclaimhte, the sound of the swords)

What does “claíomh” mean?

sword: A long metal weapon with a sharp blade and a handle, used for cutting or stabbing.Also: blade, sabre, broadsword.

“Claíomh” with the article

The plural of sword in Irish is claimhte. Here is claíomh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an claíomh

the sword

No change after an

na claimhte

the swords

Plural: no change after na

“Claíomh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using claíomh, the Irish word for sword.

Bhí claíomh mór ag an ridire.

The knight had a big sword.

Tharraing sé an claíomh as an truaill.

He drew the sword from the scabbard.

Bhí lann an chlaímh an-ghéar.

The sword's blade was very sharp.

Tá claimhte ársa sa mhúsaem.

There are ancient swords in the museum.

Chroch mé an claíomh ar an mballa.

I hung the sword on the wall.

Throid na saighdiúirí le claimhte agus sleánna.

The soldiers fought with swords and spears.

Tá scéal faoi chlaíomh draíochta sa leabhar seo.

There is a story about a magic sword in this book.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Sword in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for sword?

The Irish for sword is claíomh (pronounced “kleev”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is claimhte.

How do you pronounce claíomh in Irish?

Claíomh is said like “kleev” (IPA /kl̪ˠiːvˠ/).

What is the plural of sword in Irish?

The plural of claíomh is claimhte; with the article, na claimhte means “the swords”. The genitive plural is claimhte, as in fuaim na gclaimhte (the sound of the swords).

Why does claíomh change to chlaíomh or gclaíomh?

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

What is 'claíomh solais'?

'An Claíomh Solais' (the Sword of Light) is a famous magic sword in Irish folklore, and it was also the name of the Gaelic League's newspaper.

Sword in Irish (Claíomh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage