How to pronounce keelhaul
Say it like KEEL-hawl. Keelhaul has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KEEL).
- KEEL
- hawl
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Keelhaul pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KEELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- hawlKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of keelhaul
American and British speakers say keelhaul in essentially the same way: /ˈkilhɔl/ in the US and /ˈkiːlhɔːl/ in the UK.
British respelling: KEEL-hawl.
What does keelhaul mean?
- To punish by dragging under the keel of a ship with the intent of causing painful injuries.
- To rebuke harshly.
Where does keelhaul come from?
From Dutch kielhalen (“keelhaul”), from kiel (“keel”) + halen (“fetch; catch”).
Questions about saying keelhaul
How do you pronounce keelhaul?
Say KEEL-hawl. The American pronunciation is /ˈkilhɔl/. In British English it is /ˈkiːlhɔːl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in keelhaul?
Keelhaul has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KEEL). Broken into parts: KEEL · hawl.
Do Americans and Brits say keelhaul the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkilhɔl/ and the British form is /ˈkiːlhɔːl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.