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Washing in Irish (Níochán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘níochán’ also means: laundry

The Irish for washing is níochán, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “washing” in Irish

Irish:
níochán
English:
washing, laundry
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“NEE-khawn”  /ˈnʲiːxaːn/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
níocháin, an níocháin (e.g. inneall níocháin, washing machine)

What does “níochán” mean?

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

washing
The act of washing something or someone; it is the verbal noun of the verb 'nigh'.Also: wash, cleaning.
1 other meaning: laundry
2laundry
Clothes that have been washed or are waiting to be washed.Also: washing, wash.

“Níochán” with the article

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

an níochán
the washing
No change after an

“Níochán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using níochán, the Irish word for washing.

Tá an níochán ar an líne fós.
The washing is still on the line.
Cuir an níochán isteach sa mheaisín, le do thoil.
Put the laundry into the machine, please.
Tá an t-inneall níocháin briste arís.
The washing machine is broken again.
Is é an Luan lá an níocháin sa teach seo.
Monday is washing day in this house.
Rinne mé níochán mór inné.
I did a big wash yesterday.
Tá mo chuid níocháin go léir fliuch ón mbáisteach.
All my washing is wet from the rain.
Bhí cúram an níocháin is na hiarnála uirthi.
She was responsible for the washing and the ironing.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Washing in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for washing?

The Irish for washing is níochán (pronounced “NEE-khawn”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean laundry.

How do you pronounce níochán in Irish?

Níochán is said like “NEE-khawn” (IPA /ˈnʲiːxaːn/).

Does níochán have a plural?

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

Does níochán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Níochán can mean washing or laundry, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say 'do the washing' in Irish?

Say 'an níochán a dhéanamh', for example 'Rinne mé an níochán', I did the washing.

Is 'níochán' the same as 'ní'?

Both are verbal nouns of 'nigh'; 'níochán' is the standard form, while 'ní' or 'nighe' is heard in some dialects.

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