taoiseach

Everyday

1. (Ireland) The title of the prime minister, the head of the government, of the Republic of Ireland. tree →
2. (Irish language) The word means "chief" or "leader" in Irish. tree →

In the lessons

In citizenship and geography lessons in Ireland and the UK the Taoiseach is the leader of the Irish government, chosen by the Dáil (the Irish parliament). The President of Ireland is a different person and is the head of state. On the news you hear "the Taoiseach said…". The deputy is called the Tánaiste.

Examples

• The Taoiseach spoke to the Dáil about schools. tree →
• The Taoiseach is the head of the Irish government. tree →
• The President of Ireland and the Taoiseach are two different people. tree →
• The Taoiseach visited the White House on Saint Patrick's Day. tree →
• "Taoiseach" is an Irish word meaning leader. tree →
• The new Taoiseach was elected by the Dáil. tree →

Note

An Irish (Gaelic) word used in English. Pronounced roughly TEE-shuck or TEE-shakh. Written with a capital T and usually "the Taoiseach". Irish plural: Taoisigh. The spelling looks very different from the sound, a trap for spelling.