How to pronounce symbol
Say it like SIM-bul. Symbol has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce symbol. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIM
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Symbol pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SIMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of symbol
American and British speakers say symbol in essentially the same way: /ˈsɪmbəl/ in the US and /ˈsɪmbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: SIM-bul.
What does symbol mean?
- an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance
- something visible that by association or convention represents something else that is invisible“the eagle is a symbol of the United States”
Words that rhyme with symbol
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of symbol.
Words that sound like symbol
Questions about saying symbol
How do you pronounce symbol?
Say SIM-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪmbəl/. In British English it is /ˈsɪmbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in symbol?
Symbol has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIM). Broken into parts: SIM · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say symbol the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɪmbəl/ and the British form is /ˈsɪmbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as symbol?
Symbol sounds the same as cymbal in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.