How to Say “Pickle” in Irish

By Penelope Ivy • Updated October 3, 2026

picil

The Irish word for pickle (preserved cucumber) is picil.

The term picil is used to refer specifically to a preserved cucumber.

Meaning: preserved cucumber (noun)

Did you know?

While picil refers to the cucumber, Irish speakers traditionally used the word salannach to describe things preserved in salt, from the word salann meaning 'salt'.
In some older Irish culinary traditions, the concept of 'pickling' was more closely associated with 'suirbh', a word that can also mean 'sour' or 'acidic'.
The Irish word picil is a direct loanword from the English 'pickle'.

Example conversation

Siobhán and Oisín are preparing sandwiches in the kitchen.

Siobhán

A bhfuil picil agat, a Oisín?
Do you have a pickle, Oisín?
Oisín

Tá, tá picil anseo sa frigidair.
Yes, there is a pickle here in the fridge.
Siobhán

An féidir leat picil a chur sa sandwich?
Can you put a pickle in the sandwich?
Oisín

Beidh picil ann go Lebanese!
There will be a pickle in it for sure!

Sources

Word origins: Wiktionary entries picil, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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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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