How to pronounce topsail
Say it like TAHP-sayl. Topsail has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAHP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce topsail. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TAHP
- sayl
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Topsail pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TAHPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- saylKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of topsail
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: TOP-sayl.
What does topsail mean?
- A sail or either of the two sails rigged just above the course sail and supported by the topmast on a square-rigged sailing ship.
- In a fore-and-aft-rigged sailing boat, the sail that is set above the gaff at the top part of the mast.
Where does topsail come from?
From Middle English topsail, topsayl, topseyle, topsaill, equivalent to top + sail.
Questions about saying topsail
How do you pronounce topsail?
Say TAHP-sayl. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɑpseɪl/. In British English it is /ˈtɒpseɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in topsail?
Topsail has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAHP). Broken into parts: TAHP · sayl.
Is topsail pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈtɒpseɪl/ (TOP-sayl).