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Tedium in Irish (Leadrán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘leadrán’ also means: dilly-dallying

The Irish for tedium is leadrán, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “tedium” in Irish

Irish:
leadrán
English:
tedium, dilly-dallying
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“LAD-rawn”  /ˈl̠ʲad̪ˠɾˠaːn̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
leadráin, an leadráin (e.g. deireadh an leadráin, the end of the tedium)

What does “leadrán” mean?

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

tedium
Boredom or tediousness, the quality of something that drags on too long.Also: boredom, tediousness, monotony.
1 other meaning: dilly-dallying
2dilly-dallying
Lingering, loitering or being slow and dilatory about doing something.Also: lingering, loitering, dilatoriness, slowness.

“Leadrán” with the article

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

an leadrán
the tedium
No change after an

“Leadrán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using leadrán, the Irish word for tedium.

Bhí leadrán uafásach ar an léacht sin.
That lecture was dreadfully tedious.
Ní raibh aon leadrán ar an scéal.
The story never dragged at all.
Cuireann leadrán na hoifige as dom.
The tedium of the office annoys me.
Bhí sé ag leadrán thart ar an mbaile.
He was loitering around the town.
Ná bí ag leadrán, tá deifir orainn.
Don't dilly-dally, we're in a hurry.
Bhí na páistí bréan den leadrán sa rang.
The children were fed up with the boredom in class.
Bhí mé ag súil le deireadh an leadráin.
I was looking forward to the end of the tedium.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Tedium in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for tedium?

The Irish for tedium is leadrán (pronounced “LAD-rawn”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean dilly-dallying.

How do you pronounce leadrán in Irish?

Leadrán is said like “LAD-rawn” (IPA /ˈl̠ʲad̪ˠɾˠaːn̪ˠ/).

Does leadrán have a plural?

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

Does leadrán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leadrán can mean tedium or dilly-dallying, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say something is boring, using this word family?

The usual way is the adjective 'leadránach', as in 'scannán leadránach' (a boring film); the noun 'leadrán' names the tedium or the dawdling itself, as in 'Ná bí ag leadrán' (Don't dawdle).

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