Torch in Irish (Tóirse): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for torch?

The Irish for torch is tóirse (pronounced “TOR-shuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tóirsí.

Q: What is the plural of torch in Irish?

The plural of tóirse is tóirsí; with the article, na tóirsí means “the torches”. The genitive plural is tóirsí, as in solas na dtóirsí (the light of the torches).

How to say “torch” in Irish

Irish:: tóirse
English:: torch
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “TOR-shuh” /ˈt̪ˠoːɾˠʃə/

Various forms

Plural:: tóirsí (torches)
Genitive singular:: tóirse, an tóirse (e.g. solas an tóirse, the light of the torch)
Genitive plural:: tóirsí, na dtóirsí (e.g. solas na dtóirsí, the light of the torches)

What does “tóirse” mean?

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

torch: A small battery-powered light that you carry in your hand.Also: flashlight, electric torch.

1 other meaning:

2torch: A stick with a flame at one end, carried to give light.Also: flaming torch, firebrand.

“Tóirse” with the article

The plural of torch in Irish is tóirsí. Here is tóirse after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tóirse

the torch

No change after an

na tóirsí

the torches

Plural: no change after na

“Tóirse” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tóirse, the Irish word for torch.

An bhfuil tóirse agat?

Have you got a torch?

Las an tóirse, tá sé an-dorcha anseo.

Turn on the torch, it's very dark here.

Tá ceallraí an tóirse caite.

The torch battery is dead.

Thug siad tóirsí leo isteach san uaimh.

They brought torches with them into the cave.

Chaill mé mo thóirse sa ghairdín aréir.

I lost my torch in the garden last night.

Choinnigh mé an tóirse i mo phóca.

I kept the torch in my pocket.

Tá tóirse sa tarraiceán sa chistin.

There's a torch in the drawer in the kitchen.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Torch in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for torch?

The Irish for torch is tóirse (pronounced “TOR-shuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tóirsí.

How do you pronounce tóirse in Irish?

Tóirse is said like “TOR-shuh” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠoːɾˠʃə/).

What is the plural of torch in Irish?

The plural of tóirse is tóirsí; with the article, na tóirsí means “the torches”. The genitive plural is tóirsí, as in solas na dtóirsí (the light of the torches).

Why does tóirse change to thóirse or dtóirse?

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

Is 'tóirse' used for both a flashlight and a flaming torch?

Yes, 'tóirse' covers both, though in everyday speech it usually means a battery torch. For a flaming torch you may also see 'lóchrann'.

Torch in Irish (Tóirse): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage