How to Pronounce Illegal

To pronounce "illegal", say ILL-eg-al — 3 syllables, IPA /ɪˈliːɡəl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

illegal

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Accent

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3

Syllables

7

Letters

/ɪˈliːɡəl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “illegal”

"illegal" has 3 syllables: ill-eg-al. It rhymes with regal and eagle, if that helps it stick.

What does illegal mean?

noun

  1. An illegal act or technique.
  2. (plural, as illegals) Contraband, esp. illegal substances such as drugs.

adjective

  1. Contrary to or forbidden by law, especially criminal law.

    “Nearly 40 million people live in UK areas with illegal air pollution”

  2. Forbidden by established rules.

    “Moving a pawn backward is an illegal move in chess.”

Synonyms

crimmigrantcriminalfeloniousillicitirregularunlawfulbogus

Antonyms

lawfullegal

Words that rhyme with illegal

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

regaleaglelegalextralegalparalegalbeaglemegal

Related words

outlawedill-gottenunlawfulcriminalillicitextrajudicialextralegaloutlaw

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "illegal"?▾

"Illegal" has 3 syllables: ill · eg · al.

What is the IPA transcription of "illegal"?▾

The IPA transcription of "illegal" is /ɪˈliːɡəl/.

What does "illegal" mean?▾

Illegal: An illegal act or technique.

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