How to pronounce pinnacle
Say it like PIN-uh-kul. Pinnacle has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pinnacle. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PIN
- uh
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pinnacle pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of pinnacle
American and British speakers say pinnacle in essentially the same way: /ˈpɪnəkəl/ in the US and /ˈpɪnəkəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: PIN-uh-kul.
What does pinnacle mean?
- The highest point.
- A tall, sharp and craggy rock or mountain.
- An all-time high; a point of greatest achievement or success.
- To place on a pinnacle.
- To build or furnish with a pinnacle or pinnacles.
Where does pinnacle come from?
From Middle English, borrowed from Old French pinacle, pinnacle, from Late Latin pinnāculum (“a peak, pinnacle”), from Latin pinna (“a pinnacle”); see pin.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with pinnacle
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of pinnacle.
Questions about saying pinnacle
How do you pronounce pinnacle?
Say PIN-uh-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɪnəkəl/. In British English it is /ˈpɪnəkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pinnacle?
Pinnacle has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIN). Broken into parts: PIN · uh · kul.
Do Americans and Brits say pinnacle the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpɪnəkəl/ and the British form is /ˈpɪnəkəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.