How to pronounce keyhole
Say it like KEE-hohl. Keyhole has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KEE).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈkiˌhoʊl/KEE-hohl
UK British/ˈkiːˌhəʊl/KEE-hohl
- KEE
- hohl
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Keyhole pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- hohlGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of keyhole
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: KEE-hohl.
What does keyhole mean?
noun
- The hole in a lock where the key is inserted and turns.
- Any small opening resembling the hole for a key in shape or function; especially, one that gives a vista of, or access to, a space beyond.
- A small incision through which surgical instruments can reach into an anatomic space beyond.
- To strike a target after wobbling in flight so that the long axis of the bullet does not follow the line of flight, typically due to insufficient spin resulting from the rifling in the barrel.
Where does keyhole come from?
From key + hole.
Questions about saying keyhole
How do you pronounce keyhole?
Say KEE-hohl. The American pronunciation is /ˈkiˌhoʊl/. In British English it is /ˈkiːˌhəʊl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in keyhole?
Keyhole has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KEE). Broken into parts: KEE · hohl.
Is keyhole pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈkiːˌhəʊl/ (KEE-hohl).