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Yelping in Irish (Sceamhaíl): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘sceamhaíl’ also means: squealing

The Irish for yelping is sceamhaíl, a feminine noun. Ag sceamhaíl is yelping, from the verb sceamh.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “yelping” in Irish

Irish:
sceamhaíl
English:
yelping, squealing
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
sceamh, to yelp (ag sceamhaíl, yelping)
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“SHKYOW-eel”  /ˈʃcəuiːlʲ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
sceamhaíola, na sceamhaíola (e.g. deireadh na sceamhaíola, the end of the yelping)

What does “sceamhaíl” mean?

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

yelping
The verbal noun of 'sceamh': the act of yelping or yapping, as a small dog does.Also: yapping, yelp, yap, squealing.
1 other meaning: squealing
2squealing
A shrill complaining cry or whining, of a person or animal.Also: whining, squeal.

“Sceamhaíl” as a verbal noun

After ag, sceamhaíl means yelping: it is the verbal noun of the verb sceamh (to yelp). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
sceamhaílverbal noun
=
ag sceamhaílyelping

“Sceamhaíl” with the article

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

an sceamhaíl
the yelping
No change after an

“Sceamhaíl” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using sceamhaíl, the Irish word for yelping.

Bhí an madra beag ag sceamhaíl ar feadh na hoíche.
The little dog was yelping all night.
Chuala mé sceamhaíl taobh amuigh den doras.
I heard yelping outside the door.
Chuir an sceamhaíl isteach go mór orm.
The yapping really annoyed me.
Níor stop an sceamhaíl go maidin.
The yelping didn't stop until morning.
Dhúisigh fuaim na sceamhaíola an leanbh.
The sound of the yelping woke the baby.
Bhí sceamhaíl ag na coileáin sa chistin.
The puppies were yelping in the kitchen.
Éirigh as do chuid sceamhaíola!
Stop your whining!

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Yelping in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for yelping?

The Irish for yelping is sceamhaíl (pronounced “SHKYOW-eel”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean squealing.

How do you pronounce sceamhaíl in Irish?

Sceamhaíl is said like “SHKYOW-eel” (IPA /ˈʃcəuiːlʲ/).

Does sceamhaíl have a plural?

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

Does sceamhaíl have more than one meaning?

Yes. Sceamhaíl can mean yelping or squealing, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between 'sceamhaíl' and 'tafann'?

'Tafann' is ordinary barking, while 'sceamhaíl' is the high-pitched yelping or yapping of a small dog or a hurt animal.

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