How to pronounce idol
Say it like EYE-dul. Idol has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EYE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce idol. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EYE
- dul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Idol pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- EYESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- dulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of idol
American and British speakers say idol in essentially the same way: /ˈaɪdəl/ in the US and /ˈaɪdəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: EYE-dul.
What does idol mean?
- a material effigy that is worshipped“thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image”“money was his god”
- someone who is adored blindly and excessively
- an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with idol
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of idol.
Words that sound like idol
Questions about saying idol
How do you pronounce idol?
Say EYE-dul. The American pronunciation is /ˈaɪdəl/. In British English it is /ˈaɪdəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in idol?
Idol has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EYE). Broken into parts: EYE · dul.
Do Americans and Brits say idol the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈaɪdəl/ and the British form is /ˈaɪdəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as idol?
Idol sounds the same as idle in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.