How to pronounce clerical
Say it like KLER-uh-kul. Clerical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce clerical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KLER
- uh
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Clerical pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KLERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of clerical
American and British speakers say clerical in essentially the same way: /ˈklɛrəkəl/ in the US and /ˈklɛrɪkəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: KLER-ih-kul.
What does clerical mean?
- Of or relating to clerks or their work.
- Of or relating to the clergy.
- A member of the clergy.
- Clerical garments.
Where does clerical come from?
From Late Latin clēricālis (“clerical”), from clēricus (“clergyman, priest”).
Words that rhyme with clerical
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of clerical.
Questions about saying clerical
How do you pronounce clerical?
Say KLER-uh-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˈklɛrəkəl/. In British English it is /ˈklɛrɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in clerical?
Clerical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLER). Broken into parts: KLER · uh · kul.
Do Americans and Brits say clerical the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈklɛrəkəl/ and the British form is /ˈklɛrɪkəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.