How to Pronounce Pawl

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

pawl

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Accent

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/pɑl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “pawl”

"pawl" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat.

What does pawl mean?

noun

  1. A pivoted catch designed to fall into a notch on a ratchet wheel so as to allow movement in only one direction (e.g. on a windlass or in a clock mechanism), or alternatively to move the wheel in one direction.
  2. A similar device to prevent motion in other mechanisms besides ratchets.

verb

  1. To stop with a pawl.

Related words

detentclickdogratchetfastenerkniferetainerpallet

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "pawl"?▾

"Pawl" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "pawl"?▾

The IPA transcription of "pawl" is /pɑl/.

What does "pawl" mean?▾

Pawl: A pivoted catch designed to fall into a notch on a ratchet wheel so as to allow movement in only one direction (e.g. on a windlass or in a clock mechanism), or alternatively to move the wheel in one direction.

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