How to Pronounce Pencil

To pronounce "pencil", say PENC-il — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈpɛnsɪl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

pencil

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/ˈpɛnsɪl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “pencil”

"pencil" has 2 syllables: penc-il. It rhymes with tensile and stencil, if that helps it stick.

What does pencil mean?

noun

  1. A paintbrush.
  2. A writing utensil with a graphite (commonly referred to as lead) shaft, usually blended with clay, clad in wood, and sharpened to a taper.

verb

  1. To write (something) using a pencil.

    “I penciled (BrE: pencilled) a brief reminder in my notebook.”

  2. To mark with, or as if with, a pencil.

Words that rhyme with pencil

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

tensilestencilensilepencelpensilepensilpenselbenselvenselbluepencilgenselhensel

Related words

markercrayoninkstyluseyelinerminefountaindictionary

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "pencil"?▾

"Pencil" has 2 syllables: penc · il.

What is the IPA transcription of "pencil"?▾

The IPA transcription of "pencil" is /ˈpɛnsɪl/.

What does "pencil" mean?▾

Pencil: A paintbrush.

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