How to Pronounce Uncle

To pronounce "uncle", say UNCL-e — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈʌŋ.kəl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

uncle

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈʌŋ.kəl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “uncle”

"uncle" has 2 syllables: uncl-e. It rhymes with crinkle and granduncle, if that helps it stick.

What does uncle mean?

noun

The brother or brother-in-law of one’s parent.
The male cousin of one’s parent.

verb

To address somebody by the term uncle.
To act like, or as, an uncle.

interjection

A cry used to indicate surrender.

Synonyms

eam eme

Antonyms

boy aunty nephew niece aunt

Hear “uncle” 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 uncle

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

crinkle granduncle tincal truncal nuncle tinchel crunkle runkle dunckel dunkel dunkle gunkel

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "uncle"?▾

"Uncle" has 2 syllables: uncl · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "uncle"?▾

The IPA transcription of "uncle" is /ˈʌŋ.kəl/.

What does "uncle" mean?▾

Uncle: The brother or brother-in-law of one’s parent.

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