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Yarn in Irish (Abhras): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘abhras’ also means: gain, product

The Irish for yarn is abhras, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “yarn” in Irish

Irish:
abhras
English:
yarn, gain, product
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“OW-rus”  /ˈəuɾˠəsˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
abhrais, an abhrais (e.g. ceirtlín abhrais, a ball of yarn)

What does “abhras” mean?

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

yarn
Spun thread, especially of wool or flax, ready for weaving or knitting.Also: spun thread, spun wool, thread.
1 other meaning: gain, product
2gain, product
Something earned or gained, especially in the figurative phrase about the result of one's work.Also: gain, product, earnings.

“Abhras” with the article

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

an t-abhras
the yarn
Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

“Abhras” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using abhras, the Irish word for yarn.

Bhí mo sheanmháthair ag sníomh abhrais cois tine.
My grandmother was spinning yarn by the fire.
Cheannaigh sí abhras dearg chun geansaí a chniotáil.
She bought red yarn to knit a jumper.
Tá an t-abhras seo an-bhog.
This yarn is very soft.
Thit an ceirtlín abhrais ar an urlár.
The ball of yarn fell on the floor.
Níl go leor abhrais agam don mhuinchille.
I don't have enough yarn for the sleeve.
Tá dath álainn ar an abhras olla sin.
That woollen yarn has a lovely colour.
Choinnigh sí a cuid abhrais i gciseán.
She kept her yarn in a basket.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Yarn in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for yarn?

The Irish for yarn is abhras (pronounced “OW-rus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean gain, product.

How do you pronounce abhras in Irish?

Abhras is said like “OW-rus” (IPA /ˈəuɾˠəsˠ/).

Does abhras have a plural?

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

Does abhras have more than one meaning?

Yes. Abhras can mean yarn or gain, product, depending on context; the first is the most common.

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

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-abhras (the yarn), a habhras (her yarn), a n-abhras (their yarn).

What is the difference between 'abhras' and 'snáth'?

'Abhras' is spun yarn, especially wool or flax before weaving, while 'snáth' is the general word for thread. For sewing thread you would say 'snáth'.

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