Whitethorn in Irish (Sceach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for whitethorn?

The Irish for whitethorn is sceach (pronounced “shkyakh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is sceacha. Depending on context it can also mean briar or prickly person.

Q: What is the plural of whitethorn in Irish?

The plural of sceach is sceacha; with the article, na sceacha means “the whitethorns”. The genitive plural is sceach, as in fál na sceach (the hedge of thorn bushes).

Q: Does sceach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Sceach can mean whitethorn, briar or prickly person, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “whitethorn” in Irish

Irish:: sceach
English:: whitethorn, briar, prickly person
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “shkyakh” /ʃcax/

Various forms

Plural:: sceacha (whitethorns)
Genitive singular:: sceiche, na sceiche (e.g. bláth na sceiche, the hawthorn blossom)
Genitive plural:: sceach, na sceach (e.g. fál na sceach, the hedge of thorn bushes)

What does “sceach” mean?

“Sceach” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

whitethorn: A thorny shrub or small tree, the hawthorn, common in Irish hedges and associated with fairies.Also: hawthorn, thorn bush, thornbush.

2 other meanings: briar or prickly person

2briar: Any thorny bush or bramble.Also: brier, bramble, bramble bush, thorny bush.
3prickly person: A quarrelsome, difficult or touchy person.Also: quarrelsome person, crank.

“Sceach” with the article

The plural of whitethorn in Irish is sceacha. Here is sceach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an sceach

the whitethorn

No change after an

na sceacha

the whitethorns

Plural: no change after na

“Sceach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using sceach, the Irish word for whitethorn.

Tá sceach mhór ag fás sa pháirc.

There is a big hawthorn growing in the field.

Ná gearr an sceach sin, is sceach na sióg í.

Don't cut that whitethorn, it's a fairy tree.

Bhí bláthanna bána ar an sceach i mí na Bealtaine.

The hawthorn had white flowers in May.

Chuaigh mo gheansaí i bhfostú i sceach.

My jumper got caught on a thorn bush.

Tá na sceacha lán de sméara dubha.

The bushes are full of blackberries.

Rinne na héin nead i lár na sceiche.

The birds made a nest in the middle of the thorn bush.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Whitethorn in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for whitethorn?

The Irish for whitethorn is sceach (pronounced “shkyakh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is sceacha. Depending on context it can also mean briar or prickly person.

How do you pronounce sceach in Irish?

Sceach is said like “shkyakh” (IPA /ʃcax/).

What is the plural of whitethorn in Irish?

The plural of sceach is sceacha; with the article, na sceacha means “the whitethorns”. The genitive plural is sceach, as in fál na sceach (the hedge of thorn bushes).

Does sceach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Sceach can mean whitethorn, briar or prickly person, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between sceach and dris?

Sceach is mainly the hawthorn or a thorn bush, while dris is a bramble or briar, the plant that gives blackberries.

What does 'sceach i mbéal bearna' mean?

Literally a thorn bush in a gap, it means a stopgap, something or someone used temporarily to fill a need.

Whitethorn in Irish (Sceach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage