How to Pronounce Stale

To pronounce "stale", say STAL-e — 2 syllables, IPA /steɪl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

stale

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

5

Letters

/steɪl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “stale”

"stale" has 2 syllables: stal-e. It rhymes with wail and gale, if that helps it stick.

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

What does stale mean?

noun

  1. Something stale; a loaf of bread or the like that is no longer fresh.

verb

  1. (of alcohol) To make stale; to age in order to clear and strengthen (a drink, especially beer).
  2. To make stale; to cause to go out of fashion or currency; to diminish the novelty or interest of, particularly by excessive exposure or consumption.

adjective

  1. (alcohol) Clear, free of dregs and lees; old and strong.
  2. No longer fresh, in reference to food, urine, straw, wounds, etc.

Antonyms

fresh

Hear “stale” 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 stale

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

wailgaleavailfrailassailtravailprevailentailunveilailbalequail

Related words

spoiledspoiltaddledlimpwiltedhardbadrancid

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "stale"?▾

"Stale" has 2 syllables: stal · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "stale"?▾

The IPA transcription of "stale" is /steɪl/.

What does "stale" mean?▾

Stale: Something stale; a loaf of bread or the like that is no longer fresh.

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