How to pronounce ell
Say it like EL. Ell is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ell. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EL
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ell pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of ell
American and British speakers say ell in essentially the same way: /ɛl/ in the US and /ɛl/ in the UK.
British respelling: EL.
What does ell mean?
- The name of the Latin script letter L/l. (more commonly el)
- An extension usually at right angles to one end of a building.
- Something that is L-shaped.
Where does ell come from?
From the name of the letter L (late 18th century).
Words that rhyme with ell
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ell.
Words that sound like ell
Questions about saying ell
How do you pronounce ell?
Say EL. The American pronunciation is /ɛl/. In British English it is /ɛl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ell?
Ell is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: EL.
Do Americans and Brits say ell the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɛl/ and the British form is /ɛl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as ell?
Ell sounds the same as el in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.