HeyRuaHow to say “whistling” in Irish
- Irish:
- feadaíl
- English:
- whistling, whistling sound
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FAD-eel” /ˈfʲad̪ˠiːlʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- feadaíola, na feadaíola (e.g. glór na feadaíola, the sound of the whistling)
What does “feadaíl” mean?
“Feadaíl” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- whistling
- The act or sound of whistling; it is the verbal noun of the verb 'feadaigh' (whistle).Also: whistle, act of whistling.
1 other meaning: whistling sound
- 2whistling sound
- A whistling or hissing sound made by wind, a kettle or a bird.Also: whistle, piping.
Other Irish words for whistling: fead (whistle)
“Feadaíl” with the article
Here is feadaíl after the article (an t-alt).
“Feadaíl” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using feadaíl, the Irish word for whistling.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Whistling in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for whistling?
The Irish for whistling is feadaíl (pronounced “FAD-eel”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean whistling sound.
How do you pronounce feadaíl in Irish?
Feadaíl is said like “FAD-eel” (IPA /ˈfʲad̪ˠiːlʲ/).
Does feadaíl have a plural?
No plural form is given for feadaíl in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does feadaíl have more than one meaning?
Yes. Feadaíl can mean whistling or whistling sound, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does feadaíl change to fheadaíl or bhfeadaíl?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) feadaíl becomes m'fheadaíl (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfeadaíl (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'feadaíl' and 'fead'?
'Fead' is a single whistle or whistle sound, as in 'lig sé fead', while 'feadaíl' is the ongoing act of whistling, as in 'bhí sé ag feadaíl'.
How do I say 'whistling a tune'?
You say 'ag feadaíl poirt', with the genitive of 'port' after the verbal noun.
