How to pronounce tunnel
Say it like TUHN-ul. Tunnel has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tunnel. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TUHN
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tunnel pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TUHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of tunnel
American and British speakers say tunnel in essentially the same way: /ˈtʌnəl/ in the US and /ˈtʌnəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: TUHN-ul.
What does tunnel mean?
- move through by or as by digging“burrow through the forest”
- force a way through
- a passageway through or under something, usually underground (especially one for trains or cars)“the tunnel reduced congestion at that intersection”
- a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter
Where does tunnel come from?
From Middle English tonnel, from Old French tonel(e), diminutive of tone (“cask”), a word of uncertain origin and affiliation.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with tunnel
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of tunnel.
Questions about saying tunnel
How do you pronounce tunnel?
Say TUHN-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈtʌnəl/. In British English it is /ˈtʌnəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tunnel?
Tunnel has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUHN). Broken into parts: TUHN · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say tunnel the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈtʌnəl/ and the British form is /ˈtʌnəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.