How to pronounce swaddle
Say it like SWAW-dul. Swaddle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SWAW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce swaddle. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SWAW
- dul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Swaddle pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SWAWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- dulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of swaddle
American and British speakers say swaddle in essentially the same way: /ˈswɔdəl/ in the US and /ˈswɒdəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: SWOD-ul.
What does swaddle mean?
- To bind (a baby) with long narrow strips of cloth.
- Anything used to swaddle with, such as a cloth or band.
Where does swaddle come from?
From Middle English swathlen (“to bind; swaddle”), from Middle English swathel, swethel, from Old English swaþul, swæþel, sweþel, sweoþol (“swaddling cloth”), equivalent to swathe (“to wrap with fabric”) + -le (agent/instrumental suffix), t
Questions about saying swaddle
How do you pronounce swaddle?
Say SWAW-dul. The American pronunciation is /ˈswɔdəl/. In British English it is /ˈswɒdəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in swaddle?
Swaddle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SWAW). Broken into parts: SWAW · dul.
Do Americans and Brits say swaddle the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈswɔdəl/ and the British form is /ˈswɒdəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.