English pronunciation · Words Starting with T

Tonsil Pronunciation

Tonsil is pronounced TAHN-suhl, IPA /ˌtɑnsəl/.

TAHN-suhl

US /ˌtɑnsəl/  ·  UK /ˈtɒnsəl/

Syllables: TAHN · suhl (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)

noun: One of the two small masses of tissue at the back of the throat.

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Tonsil in a Sentence

  • The doctor shone a light on his left tonsil.
  • She had her tonsils out at seven.
  • A swollen tonsil makes swallowing painful.

Common Mispronunciations of Tonsil

Not TON-syl

Nothing at the end is stressed, so the sil flattens to suhl. Tonsils and tonsillitis both keep the ending weak.

Not tahn-SIL

Beat sits on the first syllable. Tonsillitis is the one that pushes the weight to the back.

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