How to pronounce candle
Say it like KAN-dul. Candle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce candle. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAN
- dul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Candle pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- dulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of candle
American and British speakers say candle in essentially the same way: /ˈkændəl/ in the US and /ˈkændəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAN-dul.
What does candle mean?
- stick of wax with a wick in the middle
- the basic unit of luminous intensity adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites; equal to 1/60 of the luminous intensity per square centimeter of a black body radiating at the temperature of 2,046 degrees Kelvin
- examine eggs for freshness by holding them against a light
Where does candle come from?
From Middle English candel, from Old English candel (“candle”), borrowed from Latin candēla (“candle”), from Latin candeō (“be white, bright, shining”, verb); see candid.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with candle
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of candle.
Questions about saying candle
How do you pronounce candle?
Say KAN-dul. The American pronunciation is /ˈkændəl/. In British English it is /ˈkændəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in candle?
Candle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAN). Broken into parts: KAN · dul.
Do Americans and Brits say candle the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkændəl/ and the British form is /ˈkændəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.