How to pronounce kernel
Say it like KUR-nul. Kernel has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce kernel. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUR
- nul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kernel pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- nulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of kernel
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KUR-nul.
What does kernel mean?
- the inner and usually edible part of a seed or grain or nut or fruit stone“black walnut kernels are difficult to get out of the shell”
- a single whole grain of a cereal“a kernel of corn”
- the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience“the gist of the prosecutor's argument”“the heart and soul of the Republican Party”
Where does kernel come from?
From Middle English kernel, kirnel, kürnel, from Old English cyrnel, from Proto-West Germanic *kurnil, diminutive of Proto-Germanic *kurną (“seed, grain, corn”), equivalent to corn + -le.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with kernel
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of kernel.
Words that sound like kernel
Questions about saying kernel
How do you pronounce kernel?
Say KUR-nul. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɝnəl/. In British English it is /ˈkɜːnəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in kernel?
Kernel has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR). Broken into parts: KUR · nul.
Is kernel pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkɜːnəl/ (KUR-nul).
What words sound the same as kernel?
Kernel sounds the same as colonel in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.