# rath

/ˈɹæθ/ (US) · /ɹˈæθ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rath
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a circular wall made of earth that was built in ancient Ireland to protect a home or farm.

For teachers: an ancient Irish circular earthwork or enclosure, typically serving as a fortified residence or farmstead.

## Examples

- The ruins of an old rath sit on the hill.
- Archaeologists discovered several artifacts while excavating the interior of the medieval rath.
- The landscape is dotted with the remains of ancient raths, providing evidence of the defensive settlement patterns used by early Gaelic society.

## Usage notes

- Primarily used in an Irish historical or archaeological context.

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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.