How to Pronounce “missile”

American (US)

/ˈmɪsəl/

British (UK)

/ˈmɪsaɪl/

noun — An object or weapon propelled toward a target.

Example: The missile was intercepted before it landed.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈmɪsəl/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “missile” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “missile” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈmɪsəl/ 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. /ˈmɪsəl/ 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 "missile" mean?

missile (noun): An object or weapon propelled toward a target. For example — The missile was intercepted before it landed.

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

American English: /ˈmɪsəl/. British English: /ˈmɪsaɪl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "missile"?

/ˈmɪsəl/ in American English, /ˈmɪsaɪl/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "missile"?

“missile” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈmɪsəl/ 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.