English pronunciation · Words Starting with Q

Quail Pronunciation

Quail is pronounced KWAYL, IPA /ˈkweɪl/.

KWAYL

US /ˈkweɪl/  ·  UK /ˈkweɪl/

Syllables: KWAYL (1 syllable)

noun and verb: A small ground-nesting game bird, or to shrink back in fear.

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Quail in a Sentence

  • A pair of quail crossed the track in front of us.
  • Quail eggs were served with salt and pepper.
  • He did not quail under the questioning.

Common Mispronunciations of Quail

Not KWY-uhl

The ai is the ay of rain, and the word is one syllable. An eye sound produces something like quile.

Not KAYL

The u after q is not silent, so the opening cluster is kw. Dropping it leaves kale, a vegetable.

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