How to pronounce rorqual
Say it like ROR-kwul. Rorqual has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ROR).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈrɔrkwəl/ROR-kwul
UK British/ˈrɔːkwəl/RAW-kwul
- ROR
- kwul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rorqual pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- kwulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of rorqual
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: RAW-kwul.
What does rorqual mean?
noun
- Any whale of family Balaenopteridae, with longitudinal skin folds running from below the mouth to the navel, allowing the capacity of the mouth to expand greatly when feeding.
Where does rorqual come from?
From Norwegian Nynorsk røyrkval, from Old Norse reyðarhvalr (“fin whale”).
Questions about saying rorqual
How do you pronounce rorqual?
Say ROR-kwul. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɔrkwəl/. In British English it is /ˈrɔːkwəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rorqual?
Rorqual has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ROR). Broken into parts: ROR · kwul.
Is rorqual 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 /ˈrɔːkwəl/ (RAW-kwul).