Thread in Irish (Tointe): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for thread?

The Irish for thread is tointe (pronounced “TIN-chuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tointí. Depending on context it can also mean stitch.

Q: What is the plural of thread in Irish?

The plural of tointe is tointí; with the article, na tointí means “the threads”. The genitive plural is tointí, as in fad na dtointí (the length of the threads).

Q: Does tointe have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tointe can mean thread or stitch, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “thread” in Irish

Irish:: tointe
English:: thread, stitch
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “TIN-chuh” /ˈt̪ˠɪnʲtʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: tointí (threads)
Genitive singular:: tointe, an tointe (e.g. fad an tointe, the length of the thread)
Genitive plural:: tointí, na dtointí (e.g. fad na dtointí, the length of the threads)

What does “tointe” mean?

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

thread: A length or strand of thread, especially a needleful used for sewing.Also: length of thread, strand, needleful.

1 other meaning: stitch

2stitch: A single stitch, or the smallest bit of clothing or fabric, often used in negative phrases.Also: shred, least bit of clothing.

Other Irish words for thread: snáth (thread), snáithe (thread)

“Tointe” with the article

The plural of thread in Irish is tointí. Here is tointe after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tointe

the thread

No change after an

na tointí

the threads

Plural: no change after na

“Tointe” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tointe, the Irish word for thread.

Cuir tointe sa tsnáthaid dom, le do thoil.

Thread the needle for me, please.

Bhris an tointe agus mé ag fuáil.

The thread broke while I was sewing.

Ní raibh tointe air ach a léine.

He had not a stitch on him but his shirt.

Tá na tointí ar fad in aimhréidh.

The threads are all tangled.

Cá bhfuil mo thointe dearg?

Where is my red thread?

Ghearr sí ceann an tointe leis an siosúr.

She cut the end of the thread with the scissors.

Tá snaidhm i do thointe.

There is a knot in your thread.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

aitheantasrecognition ionsaíattack tiarnalord cléleft stocstock coscban

Thread in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for thread?

The Irish for thread is tointe (pronounced “TIN-chuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tointí. Depending on context it can also mean stitch.

How do you pronounce tointe in Irish?

Tointe is said like “TIN-chuh” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠɪnʲtʲə/).

What is the plural of thread in Irish?

The plural of tointe is tointí; with the article, na tointí means “the threads”. The genitive plural is tointí, as in fad na dtointí (the length of the threads).

Does tointe have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tointe can mean thread or stitch, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does tointe change to thointe or dtointe?

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

What is the difference between 'tointe' and 'snáth'?

'Snáth' is thread or yarn as a material, while 'tointe' is a single length or strand of it, such as the piece you put through a needle.

How do you say 'not a stitch on him'?

You can say 'níl tointe air', meaning he has not a stitch of clothing on.

Thread in Irish (Tointe): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage