Windlass in Irish (Crangaid): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for windlass?

The Irish for windlass is crangaid (pronounced “KRANG-gidj”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is crangaidí. Depending on context it can also mean crank.

Q: What is the plural of windlass in Irish?

The plural of crangaid is crangaidí; with the article, na crangaidí means “the windlasses”. The genitive plural is crangaidí, as in déantús na gcrangaidí (the manufacture of windlasses).

Q: Does crangaid have more than one meaning?

Yes. Crangaid can mean windlass or crank, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “windlass” in Irish

Irish:: crangaid
English:: windlass, crank
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “KRANG-gidj” /ˈkɾˠaŋɡədʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: crangaidí (windlasses)
Genitive singular:: crangaide, na crangaide (e.g. lámh na crangaide, the handle of the windlass)
Genitive plural:: crangaidí, na gcrangaidí (e.g. déantús na gcrangaidí, the manufacture of windlasses)

What does “crangaid” mean?

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

windlass: A machine with a horizontal drum turned by a crank, used for hauling or lifting heavy loads such as an anchor.Also: winch, capstan, hoist.

1 other meaning: crank

2crank: A handle or arm attached to a shaft and turned to make it rotate.Also: crank handle, winding handle.

“Crangaid” with the article

The plural of windlass in Irish is crangaidí. Here is crangaid after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chrangaid

the windlass

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na crangaidí

the windlasses

Plural: no change after na

“Crangaid” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using crangaid, the Irish word for windlass.

Tharraing siad an t-ancaire aníos leis an gcrangaid.

They hauled up the anchor with the windlass.

Tá crangaid nua ar an mbád seo.

This boat has a new windlass.

Bhris lámh na crangaide inné.

The windlass handle broke yesterday.

Cas an chrangaid go mall, le do thoil.

Turn the winch slowly, please.

Bhí dhá chrangaid ar dheic na loinge.

There were two windlasses on the ship's deck.

Chuir mé ola ar mo chrangaid féin.

I oiled my own winch.

Bíonn crangaidí ar na seanbháid iascaigh.

The old fishing boats have windlasses.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Windlass in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for windlass?

The Irish for windlass is crangaid (pronounced “KRANG-gidj”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is crangaidí. Depending on context it can also mean crank.

How do you pronounce crangaid in Irish?

Crangaid is said like “KRANG-gidj” (IPA /ˈkɾˠaŋɡədʲ/).

What is the plural of windlass in Irish?

The plural of crangaid is crangaidí; with the article, na crangaidí means “the windlasses”. The genitive plural is crangaidí, as in déantús na gcrangaidí (the manufacture of windlasses).

Does crangaid have more than one meaning?

Yes. Crangaid can mean windlass or crank, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does crangaid change to chrangaid or gcrangaid?

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

Is 'crangaid' the same as 'unlas'?

Both can translate windlass or winch; 'crangaid' is the usual standard term, while 'unlas' is a related word for windlass.

Windlass in Irish (Crangaid): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage