caora
/ˈkiːɾˠə/feminine
The Irish word for sheep is caora.
This noun refers to the animal and is a feminine noun.
Meaning: animal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the definite article with the singular form, the article becomes an chaora because caora is a feminine noun. To refer to multiple sheep, use the plural definite article with the form na caoraí.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkiːɾˠə/
Did you know?
- While caora means sheep, the Irish language has dozens of specialized terms for sheep based on their age, sex and the quality of their wool.
- In Irish folklore and traditional poetry, the caora is often used as a symbol of innocence or a metaphor for a lost soul needing guidance.
- Ancient Irish law tracts, such as the Brehon Laws, contained incredibly detailed rules regarding the ownership and theft of a caora.
Examples in context
- Is caora í.It is a sheep.
Example conversation
Siobhán and Oisín are walking in the countryside.
- SiobhánBreathnaigh, Oisín! Tá caora ansin.Look, Oisín! There is a sheep there.
- OisínTá sí go hálainn.It is beautiful.
- SiobhánAn bhfuil caora eile ansin?Is there another sheep there?
- OisínNí thuigim, ní fheicim aon rud.I don't understand, I don't see anything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sheep” translations and entries caora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
