How to Pronounce Verbal

To pronounce "verbal", say VERB-al — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈvɜː.bəl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

verbal

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈvɜː.bəl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “verbal”

"verbal" has 2 syllables: verb-al. It rhymes with burble and herbal, if that helps it stick.

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

What does verbal mean?

noun

(grammar) A verb form which does not function as a predicate, or a word derived from a verb. In English, infinitives, participles and gerunds are verbals.
A confession given to police.

verb

To induce into fabricating a confession.

adjective

Of or relating to words.
Concerned with the words, rather than the substance of a text.

Synonyms

non-finite verb lectic literal verbatim rhematic wordish

Antonyms

implied unsaid non-verbal substantive preverbal

Hear “verbal” 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 verbal

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

burble herbal nonverbal herbel kerbel verble zirbel

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "verbal"?▾

"Verbal" has 2 syllables: verb · al.

What is the IPA transcription of "verbal"?▾

The IPA transcription of "verbal" is /ˈvɜː.bəl/.

What does "verbal" mean?▾

Verbal: (grammar) A verb form which does not function as a predicate, or a word derived from a verb. In English, infinitives, participles and gerunds are verbals.

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