How to Pronounce Well

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

well

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/wɛl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “well”

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

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

What does well mean?

adjective

  1. In good health.

    “I had been sick, but now I'm well.”

  2. Good, content.

    ““How are you?” — “I'm well, thank you!””

adverb

  1. (manner) Accurately, competently, satisfactorily.

    “He does his job well.”

  2. (manner) Completely, fully.

    “We’re well beat now.”

interjection

  1. Used to acknowledge a statement or situation.

    ““I didn't like the music.” “Well, I thought it was good.””

  2. An exclamation of surprise (often doubled or tripled).

    “Well, well, well, what do we have here?”

Synonyms

soI meanlikeas iflookseeyou know

Words that rhyme with well

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

compelpropelimpelquellcitadelravelswelltelldwellshellcellexpel

Related words

advantageouslyfortunategoodconsiderablyadvisablesubstantiallyfinecomfortably

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "well"?▾

"Well" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "well"?▾

The IPA transcription of "well" is /wɛl/.

What does "well" mean?▾

Well: In good health.

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