# Irish

/ˈaɪɹɪʃ/ (US) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/irish
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

the people who come from Ireland or the language they speak there.

For teachers: the Celtic language of Ireland or the collective people of Irish nationality. When referring to the people, it functions as a collective plural noun.

## Examples

- The Irish are known for their warm hospitality.
- While many people in the country speak English, the Irish are proud of their native language.
- The Irish have maintained a distinct cultural identity through centuries of migration, influencing music, literature, and politics across the globe.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is an Irish." but "He is Irish." — When describing one person's nationality, use the adjective 'Irish' or the phrase 'an Irish person' rather than the noun.

## Usage notes

- When referring to the people, it is used with the definite article 'the' and a plural verb. When referring to the language, it is uncountable and used without an article.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.