How to pronounce loophole
Say it like LOOP-hohl. Loophole has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LOOP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce loophole. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LOOP
- hohl
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Loophole pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LOOPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- hohlGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of loophole
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: LOOP-hohl.
What does loophole mean?
- A method of escape, especially an ambiguity or exception in a rule or law that can be exploited in order to avoid its effect.
- To prepare a building for defense by preparing slits or holes through which to fire on attackers
- To exploit (a law, etc.) by means of loopholes.
Where does loophole come from?
From Middle English loupe (“opening in a wall”) + hole, from a Germanic source.
Questions about saying loophole
How do you pronounce loophole?
Say LOOP-hohl. The American pronunciation is /ˈlupˌhoʊl/. In British English it is /ˈluːphəʊl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in loophole?
Loophole has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LOOP). Broken into parts: LOOP · hohl.
Is loophole 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 /ˈluːphəʊl/ (LOOP-hohl).