How to pronounce tailspin
Say it like TAYL-spin. Tailspin has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAYL).
- TAYL
- spin
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tailspin pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TAYLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- spinGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of tailspin
American and British speakers say tailspin in essentially the same way: /ˈteɪlˌspɪn/ in the US and /ˈteɪlˌspɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: TAYL-spin.
What does tailspin mean?
- The rapid, uncontrollable descent of an aircraft in a steep spiral.“The loss of the third engine threw the plane into a tailspin.”
- A severe mental or emotional collapse; emotional breakdown.“Just hours after leaving the institution, she suffered another tailspin.”
- Any sharp, sustained, often uncontrollable descent or decline.“The present stock tailspin proves bankruptcy is imminent.”
- Of an aircraft: to go into a rapid, uncontrollable descent in a steep spiral.
- To go into a sharp, sustained, often uncontrollable descent or decline.
Where does tailspin come from?
From tail + spin.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying tailspin
How do you pronounce tailspin?
Say TAYL-spin. The American pronunciation is /ˈteɪlˌspɪn/. In British English it is /ˈteɪlˌspɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tailspin?
Tailspin has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAYL). Broken into parts: TAYL · spin.
Do Americans and Brits say tailspin the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈteɪlˌspɪn/ and the British form is /ˈteɪlˌspɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.