How to pronounce hobnail
Say it like HOB-nayl. Hobnail has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HOB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hobnail. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HOB
- nayl
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hobnail pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HOBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- naylGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of hobnail
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: HOB-nayl.
What does hobnail mean?
- A short nail with a thick head, typically used in boot soles.
- To fit with hobnails.
Where does hobnail come from?
From hob + nail. The oldest attestation is in William Shakespeare, but he likely did not coin the term.
Questions about saying hobnail
How do you pronounce hobnail?
Say HOB-nayl. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɑbˌneɪl/. In British English it is /ˈhɒbˌneɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hobnail?
Hobnail has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HOB). Broken into parts: HOB · nayl.
Is hobnail pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈhɒbˌneɪl/ (HOB-nayl).