How to pronounce abseil
Say it like AB-sayl. Abseil has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce abseil. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AB
- sayl
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abseil pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ABSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- saylKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of abseil
American and British speakers say abseil in essentially the same way: /ˈæbseɪl/ in the US and /ˈæbseɪl/ in the UK.
British respelling: AB-sayl.
What does abseil mean?
- To descend a steep or vertical drop using a rope with a mechanical friction device or (classic abseil) by wrapping the rope around the body.
- A descent in mountaineering using a rope looped at the top and a friction device.
Where does abseil come from?
From German abseilen, from ab- (“down”) + Seil (“rope”).
Questions about saying abseil
How do you pronounce abseil?
Say AB-sayl. The American pronunciation is /ˈæbseɪl/. In British English it is /ˈæbseɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abseil?
Abseil has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AB). Broken into parts: AB · sayl.
Do Americans and Brits say abseil the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈæbseɪl/ and the British form is /ˈæbseɪl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.