How to pronounce verbal
Say it like VUR-bul. Verbal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce verbal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VUR
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Verbal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of verbal
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: VUR-bul.
What does verbal mean?
- communicated in the form of words“verbal imagery”“a verbal protest”
- of or relating to or formed from words in general“verbal ability”
- of or relating to or formed from a verb“verbal adjectives like `running' in `hot and cold running water'”
Where does verbal come from?
From Old French verbal, from Late Latin verbālis (“belonging to a word”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with verbal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of verbal.
Questions about saying verbal
How do you pronounce verbal?
Say VUR-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɝbəl/. In British English it is /ˈvɜːbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in verbal?
Verbal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR). Broken into parts: VUR · bul.
Is verbal pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈvɜːbəl/ (VUR-bul).