How to pronounce trefoil
Say it like TREF-oyl. Trefoil has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TREF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce trefoil. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TREF
- oyl
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Trefoil pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TREFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- oylKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oy" in boy.
American vs British pronunciation of trefoil
American and British speakers say trefoil in essentially the same way: /ˈtrɛfɔɪl/ in the US and /ˈtrɛfɔɪl/ in the UK.
British respelling: TREF-oyl.
What does trefoil mean?
- Any of several plants of the pea family, having compound, trifoliate leaves; especially one of the genus Trifolium.
- A symbol having the shape of such leaves, especially when used as an architectural ornament.
Where does trefoil come from?
From Middle English trefoil, from Old French trifoil, trefeul, from Latin trifolium, from tri- (“three”) + folium (“leaf”).
Questions about saying trefoil
How do you pronounce trefoil?
Say TREF-oyl. The American pronunciation is /ˈtrɛfɔɪl/. In British English it is /ˈtrɛfɔɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in trefoil?
Trefoil has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TREF). Broken into parts: TREF · oyl.
Do Americans and Brits say trefoil the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈtrɛfɔɪl/ and the British form is /ˈtrɛfɔɪl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.