How to pronounce call
Say it like KAWL. Call is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce call. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAWL
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Call pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAWLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of call
American and British speakers say call in essentially the same way: /kɔl/ in the US and /kɔːl/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAWL.
What does call mean?
- assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to“They named their son David”“The new school was named after the famous Civil Rights leader”
- ascribe a quality to or give a name of a common noun that reflects a quality“He called me a bastard”“She called her children lazy and ungrateful”
- get or try to get into communication (with someone) by telephone“I tried to call you all night”“Take two aspirin and call me in the morning”
- a telephone connection“she reported several anonymous calls”“he placed a phone call to London”
- a special disposition (as if from a divine source) to pursue a particular course“he was disappointed that he had not heard the Call”
- a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition“the speaker was interrupted by loud cries from the rear of the audience”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with call
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of call.
Questions about saying call
How do you pronounce call?
Say KAWL. The American pronunciation is /kɔl/. In British English it is /kɔːl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in call?
Call is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: KAWL.
Do Americans and Brits say call the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kɔl/ and the British form is /kɔːl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.