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Irishman

American  
[ahy-rish-muhn] / ˈaɪ rɪʃ mən /

noun

plural

Irishmen

  1. a man born in Ireland or of Irish ancestry.

  2. a native or inhabitant of Ireland.

Irishman British  
/ ˈaɪrɪʃmən /

noun

  1. a male native, citizen, or inhabitant of Ireland or a male descendant of someone Irish

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Irishman

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; Irish, -man

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Irishman in me says, move on with your life.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

This stuff is less expensive than an NFL game, and a far safer bet than another pricey alien movie, or, heaven forbid, “The Irishman Part II.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

McSweeney's departure is a big blow to Sir Keir, with the 48-year-old Irishman having masterminded his successful bid for the Labour leadership in 2020 and the party's campaign for the general election in 2024.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

During one episode, hitherto faithful Northern Irishman Matt was given the chance to speak to traitors Stephen and Rachel, who were hidden in a confession booth.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

And of course they were descended from the ancient kings of Ireland, as every Irishman is.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.