How to Pronounce Missile

To pronounce "missile", say MISS-il-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈmɪsaɪl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

missile

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈmɪsaɪl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “missile”

"missile" has 3 syllables: miss-il-e. It rhymes with bristle and dismissal, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: missal, missel — easy to mix up when writing.

What does missile mean?

noun

Any object used as a weapon by being thrown or fired through the air, such as stone, arrow or bullet.
“The Rhodians, who used leaden bullets, were able to project their missiles twice as far as the Persian slingers, who used large stones.”
A self-propelled projectile whose trajectory can be adjusted after it is launched.
“That missile is explosive enough to kill hundreds.”

Hear “missile” 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 missile

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

bristle dismissal gristle whistle fissile missal missel istle

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "missile"?▾

"Missile" has 3 syllables: miss · il · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "missile"?▾

The IPA transcription of "missile" is /ˈmɪsaɪl/.

What does "missile" mean?▾

Missile: Any object used as a weapon by being thrown or fired through the air, such as stone, arrow or bullet.

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