How to Pronounce “vehicle”

American (US)

/ˈviːəkəl/

British (UK)

/ˈviːɪkəl/

Australian (AU)

/ˈvɪː(ə).kəl/

noun — A machine for transporting people or goods, or a means of achieving something.

Example: No vehicle is allowed past the barrier.

Synonyms: transport, means

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

Where the stress falls. “vehicle” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈviːəkəl/ 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. /ˈviːəkəl/ 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 "vehicle" mean?

vehicle (noun): A machine for transporting people or goods, or a means of achieving something. For example — No vehicle is allowed past the barrier.

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

American English: /ˈviːəkəl/. British English: /ˈviːɪkəl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "vehicle"?

/ˈviːəkəl/ in American English, /ˈviːɪkəl/ in British English, /ˈvɪː(ə).kəl/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "vehicle"?

“vehicle” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈviːəkəl/ 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.

• Silent H words