leòmhann
/ˈʎɔː.ən̪ˠ/masculine
The word for lion in Gaelic is leòmhann.
The word leòmhann refers to the big cat Panthera leo.
Meaning: big cat Panthera leo (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Scottish Gaelic, the term for lion is leòmhann.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun leòmhann is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʎɔː.ən̪ˠ/. It has 2 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The Scottish royal coat of arms features a lion, meaning that while the word leòmhann describes a foreign animal, it is one of the most potent symbols of Scottish national identity.
- The word leòmhann is a loanword from the Latin leō, which entered the Gaelic language through the influence of the early Christian church.
- While 'lion' is a real animal, in Gaelic poetry and folklore, the term was often used metaphorically to describe a 'brave warrior' or a 'mighty chieftain'.
Examples in context
- Mar leòmhann le fearachas.Like a lion for boldness.
- Tha leòmhann mòr anns an t-arbhar.There is a big lion in the savanna.
Example conversation
Hamish and Catriona are looking at a book about animals.
- HamishDè an beathach seo, a Chatriona?What is this animal, Catriona?
- CatrionaIs e leòmhann a th' ann.It is a lion.
- HamishA bheil e gu math mòr?Is it very big?
- CatrionaTha, tha leòmhann glè mhòr.Yes, a lion is very big.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lion” translations and entries leòmhann, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leòmhann, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
