How to pronounce diddle
Say it like DID-ul. Diddle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DID).
- DID
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Diddle pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DIDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of diddle
American and British speakers say diddle in essentially the same way: /ˈdɪdəl/ in the US and /ˈdɪdəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: DID-ul.
What does diddle mean?
- In percussion, two consecutive notes played by the same hand (either RR or LL), similar to the drag, except that by convention diddles are played the same speed as the context in which they are placed.
- Gin (the drink).
- To cheat; to swindle.
- To molest.
- To waste time.
- A meaningless word used when singing a tune or indicating a rhythm.“What's that tune that goes "diddle di-dum, diddle di-dum, diddle di-dum-dum"?”
Where does diddle come from?
Meanings "to have sex with" and "to molest" are from the 19th century; "to masturbate" is from the 1950s.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with diddle
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of diddle.
Questions about saying diddle
How do you pronounce diddle?
Say DID-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɪdəl/. In British English it is /ˈdɪdəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in diddle?
Diddle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DID). Broken into parts: DID · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say diddle the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɪdəl/ and the British form is /ˈdɪdəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.