How to pronounce vestal
Say it like VES-tul. Vestal 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 vestal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VES
- tul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vestal 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.
- tulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of vestal
American and British speakers say vestal in essentially the same way: /ˈvɛstəl/ in the US and /ˈvɛstəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: VES-tul.
What does vestal mean?
- A virgin consecrated to Vesta, and to the service of watching the sacred fire, which was to be perpetually kept burning upon her altar; a vestal virgin.
- A female virgin; a woman who has never had sexual relations.
- A nun.
- Of or pertaining to Vesta, the virgin goddess of the hearth.
- Pure; chaste.
Where does vestal come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin Vestālis.
Questions about saying vestal
How do you pronounce vestal?
Say VES-tul. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɛstəl/. In British English it is /ˈvɛstəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vestal?
Vestal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VES). Broken into parts: VES · tul.
Do Americans and Brits say vestal the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈvɛstəl/ and the British form is /ˈvɛstəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.