How to pronounce labial
Say it like LAY-bee-ul. Labial has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAY).
- LAY
- bee
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Labial pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- beeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of labial
American and British speakers say labial in essentially the same way: /ˈleɪbiəl/ in the US and /ˈleɪbiəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: LAY-bee-ul.
What does labial mean?
- Of or pertaining to the lips or labia.
- Articulated by the lips, as the consonants b, m and w.
- On the side facing the lips. See mesial.
- A consonant articulated by the lips.
- An organ pipe having a lip that influences its sound.
- Any of the scales bordering the mouth opening of a reptile.
Where does labial come from?
Borrowing from Medieval Latin labiālis (“of or pertaining to the lips”), from labium (“a lip”) + -ālis (“-al”, adjectival suffix).
Questions about saying labial
How do you pronounce labial?
Say LAY-bee-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈleɪbiəl/. In British English it is /ˈleɪbiəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in labial?
Labial has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAY). Broken into parts: LAY · bee · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say labial the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈleɪbiəl/ and the British form is /ˈleɪbiəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.