doineann
/ˈt̪ɤɲan̪ˠ/feminine
The Gaelic word for hurricane is doineann. Wiktionary also lists saighnean.
Meaning: weather phenomenon (noun)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| doineann | /ˈt̪ɤɲan̪ˠ/ | feminine |
| saighnean | masculine |
Which one should you use?
The form doineann is feminine, while saighnean is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈt̪ɤɲan̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- The word doineann is etymologically linked to the concept of something being 'foul' or 'unpleasant', suggesting that a hurricane is not just a storm but an inherently bad or wicked state of weather.
- While English speakers use 'hurricane' specifically for Atlantic tropical cyclones, a Gaelic speaker using doineann might be describing any particularly nasty, stormy weather, regardless of the specific meteorological origin.
Example sentences for Gaelic are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Hamish and Isla are talking about the weather forecast.
- HamishSeall air an t-adhar, Isla!Look at the sky, Isla!
- IslaAm bheil doineann air an t-slighe?Is a hurricane on the way?
- HamishTha an nuaisg ag ràdh tha.The news says it is.
- IslaFeumaidh sinn a bhith eaglail.We must be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hurricane” translations and entries doineann, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries doineann, CC BY-SA 4.0.
