How to Pronounce Reel

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

reel

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Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/ɹiːl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “reel”

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

Sounds exactly like: real, riehl, riel — easy to mix up when writing.

What does reel mean?

noun

  1. A shaky or unsteady gait.
  2. A lively dance originating in Scotland; also, the music of this dance; often called a Scottish (or Scotch) reel.

verb

  1. To wind on a reel.
  2. To spin or revolve repeatedly.

Synonyms

showreel

Words that rhyme with reel

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

zealpuerilegenteelrevealkeelpealsurrealfeelappealheeldealsqueal

Related words

lurchstaggerwaggleswagwamblewhirlgyratebobbin

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "reel"?▾

"Reel" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "reel"?▾

The IPA transcription of "reel" is /ɹiːl/.

What does "reel" mean?▾

Reel: A shaky or unsteady gait.

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