How to Say “Pearl” in Irish

By Penelope Ivy • Updated October 3, 2026

péarla

The Irish word for pearl is péarla.

péarla refers to a rounded, shelly concretion produced by certain mollusks.

Meaning: rounded shelly concretion produced by certain mollusks (noun)

Did you know?

The word péarla is a loanword from the English 'pearl' or the Old French 'perle', rather than being derived from an ancient Celtic root.
In traditional Irish folklore, pearls were sometimes associated with the tears of the sea or mythical beings from the underwater realm.
The spelling follows the phonetic influence of English, making it much easier for an English speaker to recognize than many other Irish nouns.

Examples in context

Tá péarla beag ag an gcailín.
The girl has a small pearl.

Example conversation

Saoirse is showing Cathal a piece of jewelry.

Saoirse

Breathnaigh ar an bpéarla seo, a Cathal.
Look at this pearl, Cathal.
Cathal

Is iontach í, a Saoirse.
It is wonderful, Saoirse.
Saoirse

Bhí sé i mbun an coinche.
It was at the bottom of the shell.
Cathal

Is é an péarla is áille é.
It is the most beautiful pearl.

Sources

Wiktionary, “pearl” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.

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About The Author

Penelope Ivy

Hi, I'm Penelope (or Penelope in English). Sláinte! That's "health" in Irish! As a passionate language enthusiast, I spend my time exploring the beauty of the Irish language and culture. From 'antler' to 'zero', and from colloquial expressions to formal variations, I've written about it all. Apart from my love for linguistics, I enjoy gardening and a good stroll in the countryside. Oh, and did I mention horse riding? Yes, I cherish those moments of connection with nature. If I'm not immersed in my Irish studies, you'll find me buried in a gripping book or experimenting in the kitchen.

Penelope IvyHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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