How to pronounce scalpel
Say it like SKAL-pul. Scalpel has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKAL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce scalpel. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SKAL
- pul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Scalpel pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- pulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of scalpel
American and British speakers say scalpel in essentially the same way: /ˈskælpəl/ in the US and /ˈskælpəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: SKAL-pul.
What does scalpel mean?
- A small straight knife with a very sharp blade used for surgery, dissection and craftwork.
- To hit, thrust, or pierce with a scalpel.
Where does scalpel come from?
Borrowed from Latin scalpellum, from scalprum (“knife”), from scalpere (“to cut”).
Questions about saying scalpel
How do you pronounce scalpel?
Say SKAL-pul. The American pronunciation is /ˈskælpəl/. In British English it is /ˈskælpəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in scalpel?
Scalpel has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKAL). Broken into parts: SKAL · pul.
Do Americans and Brits say scalpel the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈskælpəl/ and the British form is /ˈskælpəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.