Meaning
In Ireland, a garda is a member of An Garda Síochána, the national police and security service. The plural is gardaí; the Garda or An Garda Síochána refers to the service itself rather than one officer.
How it is used
Cambridge defines the Garda / Garda Síochána as Ireland's national police force and singular garda, plural gardaí, as a police officer in the service. Collins independently defines garda as a member of Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána's current official site describes the organisation as Ireland's National Police and Security Service and uses Gardaí for sworn members.
Examples
- “A garda was speaking with people outside the station.”
- “Ask a garda if you need help finding the right entrance.”
- “Several Gardaí were directing traffic after the event.”
Pronunciation
/ˈɡɑːr.də/ · GAR-da
Tone and register
Neutral and ordinary in Ireland. The word is both public-facing institutional vocabulary and everyday language, not a slang label for police.
Visitor guidance
Visitors can understand a garda as an Irish police officer and Gardaí as the plural. The Garda or An Garda Síochána names the national service. For emergencies, station locations, reporting procedures, legal questions, or current policing guidance, use official Garda information rather than treating this vocabulary page as operational advice.
Cultural context
Garda is high-value visitor vocabulary because it appears in public notices, news, directions, transport and event management, official information, and ordinary conversation. Keeping the singular officer term, plural gardaí, and service name distinct prevents a common comprehension mismatch without turning the term into an identity test.
Places represented
Open the reviewed place guide for each regional sense carried by this canonical entry.