HeyRuaHow to say “wren” in Irish
- Irish:
- dreoilín
- English:
- wren
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “dryo-LEEN” /dʲɾʲoːˈlʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- dreoilíní (wrens)
- Genitive singular:
- dreoilín, an dreoilín (e.g. Lá an Dreoilín, St Stephen's Day (Wren Day))
- Genitive plural:
- dreoilíní, na ndreoilíní (e.g. neadacha na ndreoilíní, the wrens' nests)
What does “dreoilín” mean?
- wren
- A very small brown songbird with a short upright tail, common in Ireland.Also: jenny wren, small bird.
Other Irish words for wren: dreolán (wren)
“Dreoilín” with the article
The plural of wren in Irish is dreoilíní. Here is dreoilín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dreoilín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dreoilín, the Irish word for wren.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Wren in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for wren?
The Irish for wren is dreoilín (pronounced “dryo-LEEN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dreoilíní.
How do you pronounce dreoilín in Irish?
Dreoilín is said like “dryo-LEEN” (IPA /dʲɾʲoːˈlʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of wren in Irish?
The plural of dreoilín is dreoilíní; with the article, na dreoilíní means “the wrens”. The genitive plural is dreoilíní, as in neadacha na ndreoilíní (the wrens' nests).
Why does dreoilín change to dhreoilín or ndreoilín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dreoilín becomes mo dhreoilín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndreoilín (eclipsis).
What is Lá an Dreoilín?
Lá an Dreoilín is St Stephen's Day, 26 December, when the wren boys (buachaillí an dreoilín) traditionally go from house to house in costume.
