linn
/lʲiːnʲ/feminine
The Irish words for pool are linn and dabhach.
Meaning: body of water (noun)
Ways to say it
| Irish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| linn | /lʲiːnʲ/ (Munster) /l̠ʲiːn̠ʲ/ (Galway) |
feminine |
| dabhach | /ˈd̪ˠauəx/ (Connacht, Munster) /ˈd̪ˠɑuwɑ(x)/ (Ulster) |
feminine |
Both words refer to a body of water, but they are used in different contexts depending on whether the water is natural or contained.
Which one should you use?
linn refers to a natural pool or a hollow in the ground. In contrast, dabhach often implies a more contained or artificial basin, such as a water trough or a pool in a garden.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because linn is a feminine noun, the definite article na is used in the genitive case to mean 'of the pool' (na linne).
How do you pronounce it?
/lʲiːnʲ/
Did you know?
- The word linn is a homonym that can mean a 'period of time' or a 'space of time' in addition to a pool.
- In Old Irish, linn could be used to describe things as vast as the sea or the ocean. Today, its usage has narrowed to describe much smaller natural pools.
Examples in context
- Ba mhaith liom dul ag snámh sa linn snámhaI want to go swimming in the pool
- Tá an linn an-domhain.The pool is very deep.
Example conversation
Cathal and Siobhán are talking about their plans for the afternoon.
- CathalAn bhfuil tú ag teacht go linn an phuile?Are you coming to the swimming pool?
- SiobhánTá, beidh mé ansin in airgead.Yes, I will be there in a bit.
- CathalGo hiontach, feicfidh mé tú ag an linn.Great, I'll see you at the pool.
- SiobhánFeicfidh mé tú go luath, a Chathail.I'll see you soon, Cathal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pool” translations and entries linn, dabhach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dabhach, linn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
