How to pronounce vessel
Say it like VES-ul. Vessel has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vessel. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VES
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vessel pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of vessel
American and British speakers say vessel in essentially the same way: /ˈvɛsəl/ in the US and /ˈvɛsəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: VES-ul.
What does vessel mean?
- a tube in which a body fluid circulates
- a craft designed for water transportation
- an object used as a container (especially for liquids)
Where does vessel come from?
Inherited from Middle English vessel, vessell (“small container”); from Old French vaissel (compare modern French vaisseau and Catalan vaixell), from Late Latin vāscellum, diminutive of vāsculum, diminutive of vās (“vase, vessel”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- vas
Words that rhyme with vessel
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of vessel.
Questions about saying vessel
How do you pronounce vessel?
Say VES-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɛsəl/. In British English it is /ˈvɛsəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vessel?
Vessel has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VES). Broken into parts: VES · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say vessel the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈvɛsəl/ and the British form is /ˈvɛsəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.