How to Pronounce Willy-nilly

To pronounce "willy-nilly", say WILLYN-illy — 2 syllables, IPA /ˌwɪliˈnɪli/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

willy-nilly

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

11

Letters

/ˌwɪliˈnɪli/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “willy-nilly”

"willy-nilly" has 2 syllables: willyn-illy.

What does willy-nilly mean?

adjective

  1. Vacillating

adverb

  1. Whether desired or not.
  2. Without regard for consequences or the will of those affected.

    “So people chasing money churn out novels willy-nilly.”

Synonyms

nolens volens

Related words

arbitrarilyindiscriminatelyhaphazardlyrandomlyrandomreluctantlyanywaycompulsorily

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "willy-nilly"?▾

"Willy-nilly" has 2 syllables: willyn · illy.

What is the IPA transcription of "willy-nilly"?▾

The IPA transcription of "willy-nilly" is /ˌwɪliˈnɪli/.

What does "willy-nilly" mean?▾

Willy-nilly: Vacillating

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