How to Pronounce Nail

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

nail

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/neɪl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “nail”

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

Sounds exactly like: nale, naill — easy to mix up when writing.

What does nail mean?

noun

  1. The thin, horny plate at the ends of fingers and toes on humans and some other animals.

    “When I'm nervous I bite my nails.”

  2. The basal thickened portion of the anterior wings of certain hemiptera.

Words that rhyme with nail

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

wailgaleavailfrailassailtravailprevailentailstaleunveilailbale

Related words

copblastcollarpegboomsmashpassnab

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "nail"?▾

"Nail" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "nail"?▾

The IPA transcription of "nail" is /neɪl/.

What does "nail" mean?▾

Nail: The thin, horny plate at the ends of fingers and toes on humans and some other animals.

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