HeyRuaHow to say “wisp” in Irish
- Irish:
- dlaoi
- English:
- wisp, lock, bundle of thatch, strand
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “dlee” /d̪ˠl̪ˠiː/
- Plural:
- dlaoithe (wisps)
- Genitive singular:
- dlaoi, na dlaoi (e.g. dath na dlaoi, the colour of the wisp)
- Genitive plural:
- dlaoithe, na ndlaoithe (e.g. ag déanamh dlaoithe tuí, making bundles of straw)
What does “dlaoi” mean?
“Dlaoi” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- wisp
- A small bundle or tuft of something light, such as straw, hay or smoke.Also: tuft, bundle, whisp.
3 other meanings: lock or bundle of thatch or strand
- 2lock
- A lock or tress of hair.Also: tress, curl, lock of hair, ringlet.
- 3bundle of thatch
- A bundle of straw or rushes used in thatching a roof.Also: thatch, sheaf.
- 4strand
- A single thin strand or strip of something, such as fibre or bark.Also: strip, fibre.
Other Irish words for wisp: sop (wisp)
“Dlaoi” with the article
The plural of wisp in Irish is dlaoithe. Here is dlaoi after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dlaoi” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dlaoi, the Irish word for wisp.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Wisp in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for wisp?
The Irish for wisp is dlaoi (pronounced “dlee”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is dlaoithe. Depending on context it can also mean lock or bundle of thatch or strand.
How do you pronounce dlaoi in Irish?
Dlaoi is said like “dlee” (IPA /d̪ˠl̪ˠiː/).
What is the plural of wisp in Irish?
The plural of dlaoi is dlaoithe; with the article, na dlaoithe means “the wisps”. The genitive plural is dlaoithe, as in ag déanamh dlaoithe tuí (making bundles of straw).
Does dlaoi have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dlaoi can mean wisp, lock, bundle of thatch or strand, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dlaoi change to dhlaoi or ndlaoi?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dlaoi becomes mo dhlaoi (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndlaoi (eclipsis).
What does 'dlaoi mhullaigh' mean?
'Dlaoi mhullaigh' originally meant the top bundle of thatch on a roof, and is used figuratively for the finishing touch or crowning point, e.g. 'ba é sin an dlaoi mhullaigh'.
How is 'dlaoi' different from 'ribe'?
'Ribe' is a single hair, while 'dlaoi' is a lock or tuft of many hairs together.
