HeyRuaHow to say “womb” in Irish
- Irish:
- broinn
- English:
- womb, bowels, interior
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “brin” /bɾˠɪnʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- broinne, na broinne (e.g. ball broinne, birthmark)
What does “broinn” mean?
“Broinn” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- womb
- The organ in a woman's or female animal's body where a baby grows before birth.Also: uterus, belly.
1 other meaning: bowels, interior
- 2bowels, interior
- The deep inner part of something, such as the earth or the hold of a ship.Also: bowels, interior, depths, hold.
“Broinn” with the article
Here is broinn after the article (an t-alt).
“Broinn” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using broinn, the Irish word for womb.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Womb in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for womb?
The Irish for womb is broinn (pronounced “brin”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean bowels, interior.
How do you pronounce broinn in Irish?
Broinn is said like “brin” (IPA /bɾˠɪnʲ/).
Does broinn have a plural?
No plural form is given for broinn in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does broinn have more than one meaning?
Yes. Broinn can mean womb or bowels, interior, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does broinn change to bhroinn or mbroinn?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) broinn becomes mo bhroinn (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbroinn (eclipsis).
What does 'ball broinne' mean?
'Ball broinne' literally means 'womb mark' and is the usual word for a birthmark.
Is 'broinn' the same as 'bolg'?
No: 'bolg' is the belly or stomach, while 'broinn' is specifically the womb, though older texts sometimes use 'broinn' loosely for belly.
