How to Pronounce Bail

To pronounce "bail", say BAIL — one syllable, IPA /beɪ̯l/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

bail

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Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/beɪ̯l/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “bail”

"bail" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with wail and gale, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: bale, baile, balle, bayle — easy to mix up when writing.

What does bail mean?

noun

  1. Security, usually a sum of money, exchanged for the release of an arrested person as a guarantee of that person's appearance for trial.
  2. Release from imprisonment on payment of such money.

verb

  1. To secure the release of an arrested person by providing bail.
  2. To release a person under such guarantee.

Hear “bail” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with bail

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

wailgaleavailfrailassailtravailprevailentailstaleunveilailbale

Related words

bondremandparolerecognizanceprobationborrowsuretyshiplease

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "bail"?▾

"Bail" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "bail"?▾

The IPA transcription of "bail" is /beɪ̯l/.

What does "bail" mean?▾

Bail: Security, usually a sum of money, exchanged for the release of an arrested person as a guarantee of that person's appearance for trial.

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