How to Pronounce Jail

To pronounce "jail", say JAIL — one syllable, IPA /dʒeɪl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

jail

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Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/dʒeɪl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “jail”

"jail" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with wail and gale, if that helps it stick.

What does jail mean?

noun

  1. A place or institution for the confinement of persons held in lawful custody or detention, especially for minor offenses or with reference to some future judicial proceeding.
  2. Confinement in a jail.

verb

  1. To imprison.

Synonyms

hoosegowslammerimprisonincarcerate

Hear “jail” 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 jail

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

wailgaleavailfrailassailtravailprevailentailstaleunveilailbale

Related words

jailhousegaolincarcerateimprisonremandimmurelagclink

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "jail"?▾

"Jail" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "jail"?▾

The IPA transcription of "jail" is /dʒeɪl/.

What does "jail" mean?▾

Jail: A place or institution for the confinement of persons held in lawful custody or detention, especially for minor offenses or with reference to some future judicial proceeding.

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