How to Pronounce Blackmail

To pronounce "blackmail", say BLACKM-ail — 2 syllables. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

blackmail

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Accent

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2

Syllables

9

Letters

BLACKM-ail

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💡 Tip for remembering “blackmail”

"blackmail" has 2 syllables: blackm-ail. It rhymes with wail and gale, if that helps it stick.

What does blackmail mean?

noun

  1. The extortion of money by threats of public accusation, exposure, or censure.
  2. A form of protection money (or corn, cattle, etc.) anciently paid, in the north of England and south of Scotland, to the allies of robbers in order to be spared from pillage.

verb

  1. To extort money or favors from (a person) by exciting fears of injury other than bodily harm, such as injury to reputation, distress of mind, false accusation, etc.

    “He blackmailed a businesswoman by threatening to expose an alleged fraud.”

  2. (Kenya) To speak ill of someone; to defame someone.

Hear “blackmail” 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 blackmail

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

wailgaleavailfrailassailtravailprevailentailstaleunveilailbale

Related words

pressureblackjackextortionextortcoercionracketeeringbriberetaliation

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "blackmail"?▾

"Blackmail" has 2 syllables: blackm · ail.

What does "blackmail" mean?▾

Blackmail: The extortion of money by threats of public accusation, exposure, or censure.

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