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Whitewash in Irish (Aoldath): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘aoldath’ also means: lime colour

The Irish for whitewash is aoldath, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “whitewash” in Irish

Irish:
aoldath
English:
whitewash, lime colour
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“EEL-dah”  /ˈiːl̪ˠd̪ˠah/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
aoldatha, an aoldatha (e.g. buicéad aoldatha, a bucket of whitewash)

What does “aoldath” mean?

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

whitewash
A mixture of lime and water used to paint walls white.Also: limewash, lime wash.
1 other meaning: lime colour
2lime colour
The white colour of lime or of a whitewashed surface.Also: white colour.

“Aoldath” with the article

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

an t-aoldath
the whitewash
Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

“Aoldath” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using aoldath, the Irish word for whitewash.

Chuir sé aoldath ar bhallaí an tí.
He whitewashed the walls of the house.
Tá an t-aoldath ag titim den bhalla.
The whitewash is falling off the wall.
Cheannaigh mé buicéad aoldatha inné.
I bought a bucket of whitewash yesterday.
Bhí boladh an aoldatha fós sa scioból.
The smell of the whitewash was still in the barn.
Bíonn aoldath úr ar an teach gach earrach.
The house gets fresh whitewash every spring.
Bhí mo lámha clúdaithe le haoldath.
My hands were covered in whitewash.
Is maith an t-aoldath chun cró na mbó a ghlanadh.
Whitewash is good for cleaning the cowshed.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Whitewash in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for whitewash?

The Irish for whitewash is aoldath (pronounced “EEL-dah”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean lime colour.

How do you pronounce aoldath in Irish?

Aoldath is said like “EEL-dah” (IPA /ˈiːl̪ˠd̪ˠah/).

Does aoldath have a plural?

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

Does aoldath have more than one meaning?

Yes. Aoldath can mean whitewash or lime colour, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does aoldath sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-aoldath (the whitewash), a haoldath (her whitewash), a n-aoldath (their whitewash).

How is 'aoldath' formed?

It combines 'aol' (lime) and 'dath' (colour), literally 'lime colour', the traditional whitewash used on Irish cottages.

How do you say 'to whitewash' in Irish?

You can say 'aoldath a chur ar' something, or use the verb 'aoldathaigh'.

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