How to Pronounce Decibel

To pronounce "decibel", say DEC-ib-el — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈdɛsɪbəl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

decibel

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Accent

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3

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈdɛsɪbəl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “decibel”

"decibel" has 3 syllables: dec-ib-el. It rhymes with compel and propel, if that helps it stick.

What does decibel mean?

noun

  1. A common measure of sound intensity ratio that is one tenth of a bel on the logarithmic intensity scale. It is defined as dB = 10 log10(P1 / P2), where P1 and P2 are the relative powers of the sound.

Words that rhyme with decibel

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

compelpropelimpelquellcitadelravelswelltelldwellshellcellexpel

Related words

dbmegadecibeldeciliterkilobauddecilitrediopter

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "decibel"?▾

"Decibel" has 3 syllables: dec · ib · el.

What is the IPA transcription of "decibel"?▾

The IPA transcription of "decibel" is /ˈdɛsɪbəl/.

What does "decibel" mean?▾

Decibel: A common measure of sound intensity ratio that is one tenth of a bel on the logarithmic intensity scale. It is defined as dB = 10 log10(P1 / P2), where P1 and P2 are the relative powers of the sound.

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