How to pronounce riffle
Say it like RIF-ul. Riffle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RIF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce riffle. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RIF
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Riffle pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RIFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of riffle
American and British speakers say riffle in essentially the same way: /ˈrɪfəl/ in the US and /ˈrɪfəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: RIF-ul.
What does riffle mean?
- To flow over a swift, shallow part of a stream.
- To ruffle with a rippling action.
- To skim or flick through the pages of a book.
- A swift, shallow part of a stream causing broken water.
- A succession of small waves.
- A trough or sluice having cleats, grooves, or steps across the bottom for holding quicksilver and catching particles of gold when auriferous earth is washed. Also one of the cleats, grooves or steps in such trough.
- In seal engraving, a small metal disc at the end of a tool.
Where does riffle come from?
Possible alteration of ruffle, from Middle English ruffelen, akin to Low German ruffelen (“to crumple”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with riffle
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of riffle.
Questions about saying riffle
How do you pronounce riffle?
Say RIF-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɪfəl/. In British English it is /ˈrɪfəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in riffle?
Riffle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RIF). Broken into parts: RIF · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say riffle the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɪfəl/ and the British form is /ˈrɪfəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.