aonbheannach
/ˈeːnˠ.ˈvʲa.nˠəx/masculine
The Irish word for unicorn is aonbheannach.
aonbheannach is a masculine noun used to describe the mythical, horse-like creature.
Meaning: mythical horselike creature (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word literally translates to 'one-horned'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈeːnˠ.ˈvʲa.nˠəx/.
Did you know?
- While we call it a 'horn', the Irish word aonbheannach is built from the word beann, which actually refers to an 'antler'.
- While the aonbheannach is rare in native myths, the unicorn appears in Irish heraldry and historical manuscripts influenced by Continental European alchemy.
- The word 'beann' in the middle of aonbheannach is also the root for 'blessing' in certain Irish contexts, though the meanings are distinct.
Examples in context
- Tá an capall coirnéil go hálainnThe unicorn is beautiful
- An bhfuil aonbheannach i do chuid scéalta?Is there a unicorn in your stories?
Example conversation
Cathal and Aoife are looking at a children's book.
- CathalBreathnaigh ar an aonbheannach seo!Look at this unicorn!
- AoifeIs iontach an dath atá air.The color it has is wonderful.
- CathalAn creideann tú in aonbheannacha?Do you believe in unicorns?
- AoifeTá siad i scéalta amháin, a Chathail.They are only in stories, Cathal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unicorn” translations and entries aonbheannach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aonbheannach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
