How to pronounce skirl
Say it like SKURL. Skirl is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce skirl. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SKURL
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Skirl pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKURLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of skirl
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SKURL.
What does skirl mean?
- To make a shrill sound, as of bagpipes.
- A shrill sound, as of bagpipes.
- A blast (of wind-blown snow or rain); a gust (especially if accompanied by snow or rain, or a shill or whistling sound).
- Alternative form of shirl.
Where does skirl come from?
Originally from Scots and Northern English dialects (as a verb), probably of Old Norse origin; ultimately imitative.
Words that rhyme with skirl
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of skirl.
Questions about saying skirl
How do you pronounce skirl?
Say SKURL. The American pronunciation is /skɝl/. In British English it is /skɜːl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in skirl?
Skirl is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SKURL.
Is skirl 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 /skɜːl/ (SKURL).