How to pronounce normal
Say it like NOR-mul. Normal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce normal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NOR
- mul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Normal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- mulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of normal
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: NAW-mul.
What does normal mean?
- conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal“serve wine at normal room temperature”“normal diplomatic relations”
- in accordance with scientific laws
- being approximately average or within certain limits in e.g. intelligence and development“a perfectly normal child”“of normal intelligence”
- something regarded as a normative example“the convention of not naming the main character”“violence is the rule not the exception”
Where does normal come from?
From Latin normālis (“made according to a carpenter's square; later: according to a rule”), from nōrma (“carpenter's square”), of uncertain origin; equivalent to norm + -al, doublet of normale.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with normal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of normal.
Questions about saying normal
How do you pronounce normal?
Say NOR-mul. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɔrməl/. In British English it is /ˈnɔːməl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in normal?
Normal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOR). Broken into parts: NOR · mul.
Is normal pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈnɔːməl/ (NAW-mul).