English pronunciation · Words Starting with A
Atoll Pronunciation
Atoll is pronounced A-tahl, IPA /ˈæˌtɑl/.
A-tahl
US /ˈæˌtɑl/ · UK /ˈætɒl/
Syllables: A · tahl (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun: A ring shaped coral island enclosing a lagoon.
Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.
Two Ways to Say Atoll
The pronunciation changes with the meaning or the part of speech. The form above is the most common; the others are:
- second syllable stressed: /əˈtoʊl/ (uh-TOHL)
Atoll in a Sentence
- The atoll is barely two metres above sea level.
- Seabirds nest on the far side of the atoll.
- A chain of atolls runs south from the main island.
Common Mispronunciations of Atoll
Not uh-TAWL
American dictionaries give A-tahl, loud at the front, with the second syllable short. The rising version is a British favourite.
Not AY-tol
Flat a at the opening, as in at. A long ay is not used for this word in either accent.
Tip: A-tahl and uh-TOHL are both in use, the first more American and the second more British.
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