How to Pronounce Principal

To pronounce "principal", say PRINC-ip-al — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈpɹɪnsəpəl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

principal

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying principal, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

Syllables

Letters

/ˈpɹɪnsəpəl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “principal”

"principal" has 3 syllables: princ-ip-al. It rhymes with principle and subprincipal, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: principle — easy to mix up when writing.

What does principal mean?

noun

The money originally invested or loaned, on which basis interest and returns are calculated.
“A portion of your mortgage payment goes to reduce the principal, and the rest covers interest.”
The chief administrator of a school.

adjective

Primary; most important; first level in importance.
“Smith is the principal architect of this design.”
(Latinism) Of or relating to a prince; princely.

Synonyms

dean client diapason proprietor ringleader headmaster headmistress headteacher chief main

Hear “principal” 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 principal

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

principle subprincipal

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "principal"?▾

"Principal" has 3 syllables: princ · ip · al.

What is the IPA transcription of "principal"?▾

The IPA transcription of "principal" is /ˈpɹɪnsəpəl/.

What does "principal" mean?▾

Principal: The money originally invested or loaned, on which basis interest and returns are calculated.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “principal” in the full dictionary →