How to pronounce mussel
Say it like MUHS-ul. Mussel has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUHS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce mussel. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MUHS
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Mussel pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MUHSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of mussel
American and British speakers say mussel in essentially the same way: /ˈmʌsəl/ in the US and /ˈmʌsəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: MUHS-ul.
What does mussel mean?
- A saltwater mussel, usually edible, of the order Mytilida in subclass Pteriomorphia.
- A freshwater mussel, usually edible, of the order Unionida in subclass Palaeoheterodonta.
- Any of certain other bivalves of somewhat similar appearance, such as the zebra mussel and quagga mussel of the family Dreissenidae in subclass Heterodonta.
Where does mussel come from?
From Middle English muscle (“mussel”), from Old English muscle, from Proto-West Germanic *muskulā, from Late Latin muscula, from Latin mūsculus (“mussel, muscle”, literally “little mouse”).
Words that rhyme with mussel
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of mussel.
Words that sound like mussel
Questions about saying mussel
How do you pronounce mussel?
Say MUHS-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈmʌsəl/. In British English it is /ˈmʌsəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in mussel?
Mussel has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUHS). Broken into parts: MUHS · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say mussel the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmʌsəl/ and the British form is /ˈmʌsəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as mussel?
Mussel sounds the same as muscle in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.