How to pronounce skeletal
Say it like SKEL-uh-tul. Skeletal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKEL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce skeletal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SKEL
- uh
- tul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Skeletal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of skeletal
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: SKEL-ih-tul.
What does skeletal mean?
- Shorthand for skeletal diagram (a black-and-white drawing of a [usually extinct] animal’s skeleton to be used as a reference for paleoart)
- of, or relating to the skeleton
- haggard, cadaverous, emaciated or gaunt
- barebones, lacking elaboration
Where does skeletal come from?
From skeleton + -al.
Questions about saying skeletal
How do you pronounce skeletal?
Say SKEL-uh-tul. The American pronunciation is /ˈskɛlətəl/. In British English it is /ˈskɛlɪtəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in skeletal?
Skeletal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKEL). Broken into parts: SKEL · uh · tul.
Is skeletal pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈskɛlɪtəl/ (SKEL-ih-tul).