loch
/l̪ˠɔx/
The Irish word for a lough (a lake specifically found in Ireland or Scotland) is loch.
This term refers to a lake, typically one located in Ireland or Scotland.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /l̪ˠɔx/.
Did you know?
- In Irish mythology, many lochs are described as the dwelling places of supernatural beings, making the word inseparable from folklore and the supernatural in a cultural context.
- While English speakers often associate the spelling loch exclusively with Scotland, the word is natively Irish and is used across the entire island of Ireland.
- Because many Irish lakes are actually the mouths of rivers or inlets of the sea, the word loch is often used for places that an English speaker would call a 'bay' or a 'fjord'.
Examples in context
- Is mór an loch é.It is a large lough.
- Tá an loch anseo go hálainn.This lough here is beautiful.
- An bhfuil loch ar an léarscáil?Is there a lough on the map?
Example conversation
Cian and Aoife are planning a day trip.
- CianAn bhfuil tú ag baint pláin ag dul go dtí an loch?Are you planning on going to the lake?
- AoifeTá, ba mhaith liom an loch a fheiceáil.Yes, I would like to see the lake.
- CianAn bhfuil an loch ciúin anois?Is the lake quiet now?
- AoifeIs tá, tá sé an-chiúin.Yes, it is very quiet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry loch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
