How to Pronounce Rail

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

rail

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/ɹeɪl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “rail”

"rail" 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: raile, rael, rayl, rayle — easy to mix up when writing.

What does rail mean?

noun

  1. A horizontal bar extending between supports and used for support or as a barrier; a railing.
  2. The metal bar that makes the track for a railroad.

verb

  1. To travel by railway.
  2. To enclose with rails or a railing.

Hear “rail” 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 rail

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

wailgaleavailfrailassailtravailprevailentailstaleunveilailbale

Related words

trackfulminaterevilevituperateinveighvilifyhandrailbanister

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "rail"?▾

"Rail" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "rail"?▾

The IPA transcription of "rail" is /ɹeɪl/.

What does "rail" mean?▾

Rail: A horizontal bar extending between supports and used for support or as a barrier; a railing.

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