How to pronounce peccadillo
Say it like pek-uh-DIL-oh. Peccadillo has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce peccadillo. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pek
- uh
- DIL
- oh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Peccadillo pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pekGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- DILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of peccadillo
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: pek-uh-DIL-oh.
What does peccadillo mean?
- A small flaw or sin.
- A petty offense.
Where does peccadillo come from?
From Spanish pecadillo, diminutive form of pecado (“sin”), from Latin peccatum (“sin, error, fault”), from peccō (“to sin, offend”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with peccadillo
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of peccadillo.
Questions about saying peccadillo
How do you pronounce peccadillo?
Say pek-uh-DIL-oh. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɛkəˈdɪloʊ/. In British English it is /ˌpɛkəˈdɪləʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in peccadillo?
Peccadillo has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DIL). Broken into parts: pek · uh · DIL · oh.
Is peccadillo 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 /ˌpɛkəˈdɪləʊ/ (pek-uh-DIL-oh).