How to pronounce libel
Say it like LY-bul. Libel has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce libel. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LY
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Libel pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of libel
American and British speakers say libel in essentially the same way: /ˈlaɪbəl/ in the US and /ˈlaɪbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: LY-bul.
What does libel mean?
- A written or pictorial false statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.
- The act or tort of displaying such a statement publicly.
- Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
- To defame (someone), especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel.“He libelled her when he published that.”
- To proceed against (goods, a ship, etc.) by filing a legal claim.
Where does libel come from?
From Middle English libel, from Old French libelle, from Latin libellus (“petition”, literally “booklet”).
Words that rhyme with libel
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of libel.
Questions about saying libel
How do you pronounce libel?
Say LY-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈlaɪbəl/. In British English it is /ˈlaɪbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in libel?
Libel has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LY). Broken into parts: LY · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say libel the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈlaɪbəl/ and the British form is /ˈlaɪbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.