Standard Lemma guide

fainne

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Ireland: /ˈfɑnjə/
  • Ireland: /ˈfɔnjə/

1

noun

Meaning 1

A pin badge worn to indicate a fluency in, or a willingness to speak, the Irish language.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • 1966 The Irish answer: an anatomy of modern Ireland. Tony Gray In the past, the 'Fainne' got something of a bad name because not all of its wearers were prepared to confine their attempts to converse in Gaelic to fellow-members of the League; some insisted on trying to do all their shopping in Irish...
  • 1996 Presbyterians and the Irish Language By Roger Blaney In 1922 he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the following year became Chief ... that he always wore his fainne (the Irish language badge) at work and that much more Irish than English was spoken in his ...
  • http://www.gaelport.com The Silver Fáinne is suitable for those who have a basic ability in Irish. The Gold Fáinne indicates that you are a fluent Irish speaker. Now Irish speakers all over the world can purchase a fáinne in our new online shop which can be accessed by clicking on this link or by visiting the shop which is located at the top of this page.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Alternative form of fainne.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: alt-of, alternative

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Borrowed from Irish fáinne (“ring”). Doublet of fawny.