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Tag in Irish (Clibín): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘clibín’ also means: tuft

The Irish for tag is clibín, a masculine noun (plural clibíní).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “tag” in Irish

Irish:
clibín
English:
tag, tuft
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“KLIB-een”  /ˈclʲɪbʲiːnʲ/
Various forms
Plural:
clibíní (tags)
Genitive singular:
clibín, an chlibín (e.g. uimhir an chlibín, the number on the tag)
Genitive plural:
clibíní, na gclibíní (e.g. uimhreacha na gclibíní, the numbers on the tags)

What does “clibín” mean?

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

tag
A small label or ticket attached to something, showing information such as its price or name.Also: label, price tag, ticket.
1 other meaning: tuft
2tuft
A small matted or clotted tuft of hair or wool, such as hangs from an animal's coat.Also: matted hair, clotted wool, tag of wool.

Other Irish words for tag: lipéad (label), clib (tag)

“Clibín” with the article

The plural of tag in Irish is clibíní. Here is clibín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an clibín
the tag
No change after an
na clibíní
the tags
Plural: no change after na

“Clibín” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using clibín, the Irish word for tag.

Bhain sí an clibín den gheansaí nua.
She took the tag off the new jumper.
Níl aon chlibín ar an mála seo.
There's no tag on this bag.
Cuir clibín ainm ar do chóta.
Put a name tag on your coat.
Tá an praghas scríofa ar an gclibín.
The price is written on the tag.
Bhain mé na clibíní de na bronntanais.
I took the tags off the presents.
Chaill mé mo chlibín bagáiste ag an aerfort.
I lost my luggage tag at the airport.
Léigh an clibín sula gceannaíonn tú éadaí.
Read the tag before you buy clothes.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Tag in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for tag?

The Irish for tag is clibín (pronounced “KLIB-een”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is clibíní. Depending on context it can also mean tuft.

How do you pronounce clibín in Irish?

Clibín is said like “KLIB-een” (IPA /ˈclʲɪbʲiːnʲ/).

What is the plural of tag in Irish?

The plural of clibín is clibíní; with the article, na clibíní means “the tags”. The genitive plural is clibíní, as in uimhreacha na gclibíní (the numbers on the tags).

Does clibín have more than one meaning?

Yes. Clibín can mean tag or tuft, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does clibín change to chlibín or gclibín?

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

What is the difference between clibín and lipéad?

Both can mean a label, but lipéad is the usual word for a stuck-on label, while clibín is a tag tied or attached to something, like a price tag.

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