How to Pronounce Idle

To pronounce "idle", say IDL-e — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈaɪd(ə)l/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

idle

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

4

Letters

/ˈaɪd(ə)l/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “idle”

"idle" has 2 syllables: idl-e. It rhymes with idol and idyll, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: idol, idyll — easy to mix up when writing.

What does idle mean?

noun

  1. An idle animation.
  2. An idle game.

verb

  1. To spend in idleness; to waste; to consume.
  2. To lose or spend time doing nothing, or without being employed in business.

adjective

  1. Empty, vacant.
  2. Not being used appropriately; not occupied; (of time) with no, no important, or not much activity.

    “My computer hibernates after it has been idle for 30 minutes.”

Synonyms

idle gameincremental gamepointless

Words that rhyme with idle

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

idolidyllbridlesuicidalhomicidalintertidaltidalbridalgenocidalcidalseidell

Related words

lazyindolentfaineantbone-idleslothfullazestagnatelackadaisical

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "idle"?▾

"Idle" has 2 syllables: idl · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "idle"?▾

The IPA transcription of "idle" is /ˈaɪd(ə)l/.

What does "idle" mean?▾

Idle: An idle animation.

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