mìorbhail
/ˈmĩə̃ɾfaʎ/feminine
The English word 'miracle' is translated into Gaelic as mìorbhail.
mìorbhail is a noun used to describe a wonderful event that is attributed to supernatural powers.
Meaning: wonderful event attributed to supernatural powers (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
mìorbhail is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmĩə̃ɾfaʎ/
Did you know?
- In traditional Gaelic storytelling, a 'miracle' might be described as a mìorbhail even if it was caused by the magical powers of a fairy or a spirit rather than a god.
- The word mìorbhail is built from the root mìor, which refers to something 'strange' or 'unnatural'.
- The Gaelic mìorbhail and the English 'marvel' both evolved from a meaning of 'strange' to a meaning of 'wondrous'.
Examples in context
- Sin e, mìorbhail a bh' ann!That's it, it was a miracle!
Example conversation
Finlay and Catriona are discussing a narrow escape from an accident.
- FinlayChan creases e, tha e na mìorbhail!I can't believe it, it's a miracle!
- CatrionaTha thu ceart, a Finlaigh.You are right, Finlay.
- FinlayCiamar a thàinig e seo?How did this happen?
- CatrionaChan eil fios agam, Catriona a' creidsinn an mìorbhail.I don't know, Catriona believes in the miracle.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “miracle” translations and entries mìorbhail, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
