Wagtail in Irish (Glasóg): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for wagtail?

The Irish for wagtail is glasóg (pronounced “GLASS-ohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is glasóga. Depending on context it can also mean pollack.

Q: What is the plural of wagtail in Irish?

The plural of glasóg is glasóga; with the article, na glasóga means “the wagtails”. The genitive plural is glasóg, as in nead glasóg (a wagtails' nest).

Q: Does glasóg have more than one meaning?

Yes. Glasóg can mean wagtail or pollack, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “wagtail” in Irish

Irish:: glasóg
English:: wagtail, pollack
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “GLASS-ohg” /ˈɡlˠasˠoːɡ/

Various forms

Plural:: glasóga (wagtails)
Genitive singular:: glasóige, na glasóige (e.g. eireaball na glasóige, the wagtail's tail)
Genitive plural:: glasóg, na nglasóg (e.g. nead glasóg, a wagtails' nest)

What does “glasóg” mean?

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

wagtail: A small slender bird that constantly wags its long tail, often seen near water.Also: pied wagtail, water wagtail, grey wagtail.

1 other meaning: pollack

2pollack: A sea fish of the cod family, also used of the coalfish.Also: coalfish, saithe.

“Glasóg” with the article

The plural of wagtail in Irish is glasóga. Here is glasóg after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an ghlasóg

the wagtail

Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

na glasóga

the wagtails

Plural: no change after na

“Glasóg” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using glasóg, the Irish word for wagtail.

Chonaic mé glasóg ar an mbóthar ar maidin.

I saw a wagtail on the road this morning.

Bíonn an ghlasóg i gcónaí ag croitheadh a heireabaill.

The wagtail is always wagging its tail.

Tá dath dubh agus bán ar an nglasóg seo.

This wagtail is black and white.

Bhí glasóga ag rith thart ar an bpáirc.

Wagtails were running around the field.

Chuala mé ceol na glasóige cois abhann.

I heard the wagtail's call by the river.

Rinne glasóg nead i mballa an sciobóil.

A wagtail made a nest in the barn wall.

Is éan beag dathúil í an ghlasóg liath.

The grey wagtail is a small colourful bird.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

oiliúinttraining staidéarstudy dúchasheritage sonsake cúlback aonace

Wagtail in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for wagtail?

The Irish for wagtail is glasóg (pronounced “GLASS-ohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is glasóga. Depending on context it can also mean pollack.

How do you pronounce glasóg in Irish?

Glasóg is said like “GLASS-ohg” (IPA /ˈɡlˠasˠoːɡ/).

What is the plural of wagtail in Irish?

The plural of glasóg is glasóga; with the article, na glasóga means “the wagtails”. The genitive plural is glasóg, as in nead glasóg (a wagtails' nest).

Does glasóg have more than one meaning?

Yes. Glasóg can mean wagtail or pollack, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does glasóg change to ghlasóg or nglasóg?

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

Does 'glasóg' mean a fish as well as a bird?

Mainly it means wagtail, but in some areas 'glasóg' is also used for the pollack or coalfish; the usual word for pollack is 'pollóg'.

Wagtail in Irish (Glasóg): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage