How to pronounce dorsal
Say it like DOR-sul. Dorsal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce dorsal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DOR
- sul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dorsal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- sulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of dorsal
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: DAW-sul.
What does dorsal mean?
- Relating to the top surface of the foot or hand.
- Produced using the dorsum of the tongue.
- Having only one sharp side.
- A hanging, usually of rich stuff, at the back of a throne, altar, etc.
- Any of the longitudinal series of plates that encircle the body, excluding the ventral scales.
- A sound produced using the dorsum of the tongue.
Where does dorsal come from?
From Late Middle English dorsal/dorsale, borrowing from Medieval Latin dorsālis (“of or relating to the back”), from dorsum (“the back”) + -ālis (“-al”, adjectival suffix); equivalent to dorsum + -al.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with dorsal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of dorsal.
Questions about saying dorsal
How do you pronounce dorsal?
Say DOR-sul. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɔrsəl/. In British English it is /ˈdɔːsəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dorsal?
Dorsal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DOR). Broken into parts: DOR · sul.
Is dorsal pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈdɔːsəl/ (DAW-sul).