noun
Irish twins
EYE-rish TWINZ
Irish twins (noun) means Two siblings born to the same mother within about twelve months of each other, so that they are close in age but not actually twins. Example: “My brother and I are Irish twins, born eleven months apart.”
noun
1
Two siblings born to the same mother within about twelve months of each other, so that they are close in age but not actually twins.
"My brother and I are Irish twins, born eleven months apart."
"She had Irish twins and says the first two years were a blur."
How to use Irish twins
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTwo children from the same mum born less than a year apart.
When to use it
Informal, and considered an ethnic slur by some speakers; use with care.
Memory tip
Capitalise Irish, since it comes from the name of a country.
Easily confused with
Irish twins vs twins
Irish twins vs Irish triplets
Common pairings
we're Irish twins
raising Irish twins
Irish twins ten months apart
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My brother and I are _____, born eleven months apart.
Synonyms
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back-to-back siblings
Frequently asked questions
How far apart can Irish twins be born?
The usual rule is under twelve months apart, meaning both children are born within the same twelve-month span. Some people stretch it to any siblings in the same school year or under about eighteen months apart, but twelve months is the common definition.
Are Irish twins actually twins?
No. Twins come from the same pregnancy; Irish twins come from two separate pregnancies very close together. Genetically they are ordinary siblings.
Is the phrase Irish twins offensive?
It can be. The term grew out of nineteenth-century stereotypes about large Irish Catholic families, and some people find it insulting for that reason, while others use it cheerfully about their own children. In neutral writing, prefer 'siblings born a year apart'.
What is the meaning of Irish twins?
"Irish twins" (noun) means two siblings born to the same mother within about twelve months of each other, so that they are close in age but not actually twins.
