How to pronounce drill
Say it like DRIL. Drill is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- DRIL
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Drill pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DRILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of drill
American and British speakers say drill in essentially the same way: /drɪl/ in the US and /drɪl/ in the UK.
British respelling: DRIL.
What does drill mean?
- To create (a hole) by removing material with a drill (tool).“Drill a small hole to start the screw in the right direction.”
- To practice, especially in (or as in) a military context.“They drilled daily to learn the routine exactly.”
- To cause to drill (practice); to train, especially in military arts.“The sergeant was up by 6:00 every morning, drilling his troops.”
- A tool or machine used to remove material so as to create a hole, typically by plunging a rotating cutting bit into a stationary workpiece.“Wear safety glasses when operating an electric drill.”
- The portion of a drilling tool that drives the bit.“Use a drill with a wire brush to remove any rust or buildup.”
- An activity done as an exercise or practice (especially a military exercise), particularly in preparation for some possible future event or occurrence.“fire drill”
- An agricultural implement for making holes for sowing seed, and sometimes so formed as to contain seeds and drop them into the hole made.
- A light furrow or channel made to put seed into, when sowing.
- A row of seed sown in a furrow.
Where does drill come from?
From Middle Dutch drillen (“bore, move in a circle”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with drill
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of drill.
Questions about saying drill
How do you pronounce drill?
Say DRIL. The American pronunciation is /drɪl/. In British English it is /drɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in drill?
Drill is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: DRIL.
Do Americans and Brits say drill the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /drɪl/ and the British form is /drɪl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.