How to Pronounce “basil”

American (US)

/ˈbeɪzəl/

British (UK)

/ˈbæzəl/

Australian (AU)

/ˈbæz.əl/

noun — A plant (Ocimum basilicum).

Where the stress falls. “basil” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈbeɪzəl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈbeɪzəl/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "basil" mean?

basil (noun): A plant (Ocimum basilicum).

How do you pronounce "basil" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈbeɪzəl/. British English: /ˈbæzəl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "basil"?

/ˈbeɪzəl/ in American English, /ˈbæzəl/ in British English, /ˈbæz.əl/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "basil"?

“basil” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈbeɪzəl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.