How to pronounce spindle
Say it like SPIN-dul. Spindle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPIN).
- SPIN
- dul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Spindle pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SPINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- dulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of spindle
American and British speakers say spindle in essentially the same way: /ˈspɪndəl/ in the US and /ˈspɪndəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: SPIN-dul.
What does spindle mean?
- A rod used for spinning and then winding fibres (especially wool), usually consisting of a shaft and a circular whorl positioned at either the upper or lower end of the shaft when suspended vertically from the forming thread.
- A rod which turns, or on which something turns.“the spindle of a vane”
- A rotary axis of a machine tool or power tool.
- To make into a long tapered shape.
- To take on a long tapered shape.
- To impale on a device for holding paper documents.“Do not fold, spindle or mutilate this document.”
Where does spindle come from?
The dragonfly sense (noun sense 14) is a calque of Swedish slända (dragonfly/spindle); this word was introduced by New Sweden settlers.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with spindle
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of spindle.
Questions about saying spindle
How do you pronounce spindle?
Say SPIN-dul. The American pronunciation is /ˈspɪndəl/. In British English it is /ˈspɪndəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in spindle?
Spindle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPIN). Broken into parts: SPIN · dul.
Do Americans and Brits say spindle the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈspɪndəl/ and the British form is /ˈspɪndəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.