How to Pronounce Colonel

To pronounce "colonel", say COL-on-el — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈkɝnəɫ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

colonel

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈkɝnəɫ/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/kˈɜːnəl/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “colonel”

"colonel" has 3 syllables: col-on-el. It rhymes with infernal and diurnal, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: kernel — easy to mix up when writing.

What does colonel mean?

noun

  1. A commissioned officer in an armed military organization, typically the highest rank before flag officer ranks (generals). It is generally found in armies, air forces or naval infantry (marines).

verb

  1. To act as or like a colonel.

Hear “colonel” 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 colonel

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

infernaldiurnaleternalkernelnocturnalmaternalinternalpaternalexternalfraternalsternaljournal

Related words

lieutenant-colonelbrigadierregimentcommandantcommandercaptaincommodoreparker

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "colonel"?▾

"Colonel" has 3 syllables: col · on · el.

What is the IPA transcription of "colonel"?▾

The IPA transcription of "colonel" is /ˈkɝnəɫ/.

What does "colonel" mean?▾

Colonel: A commissioned officer in an armed military organization, typically the highest rank before flag officer ranks (generals). It is generally found in armies, air forces or naval infantry (marines).

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