2 syllables: Mis, sile. Stress on Mis.
MIS-uhl
/ˈmɪsəl/
Missile is pronounced MIS-uhl (/ˈmɪsəl/). It has two syllables (Mis-sile), with the stress on "Mis". Missile is a noun referring to a self-propelled or guided weapon designed to be launched at a target. It can also mean any object hurled or projected with great force. The term emphasizes range, guidance, and destructive capability, and is used in military, science fiction, and technical contexts.
nounMissile is a noun referring to a self-propelled or guided weapon designed to be launched at a target. It can also mean any object hurled or projected with great force. The term emphasizes range, guidance, and destructive capability, and is used in military, science fiction, and technical contexts.
"The soldier launched a heat-seeking missile from the mobile launcher."
"Researchers developed a model missile to test propulsion systems in a controlled environment."
"A satellite could be described as a missile when it re-enters Earth's atmosphere unintentionally."
Missile is pronounced MIS-əl with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA US/UK: /ˈmɪs.əl/. The second syllable is unstressed and reduced, sounding like a quick schwa. Mouth: start with a short /m/ then /ɪ/ as in 'kit', finish with a light /əl/ as in 'bubble' without strong vowel emphasis.
Common errors include pronouncing it as 'miss-ile' with two clear syllables or elongating the second syllable. Some speakers insert an extra vowel between the /s/ and /l/ (e.g., /ˈmɪs.ɪl/). Correction: keep the /s/ cluster tight, reduce the second syllable to /əl/ with a barely audible schwa. Focus on maintaining weak secondary stress on the second syllable and avoid a long vowel in the first syllable.
In US, UK, and AU, the primary stress remains on the first syllable /ˈmɪs.əl/. The length and quality of the /ɪ/ can be slightly shorter in some UK varieties; the /əl/ ending is typically a quick, reduced vowel with a light schwa. Rhotic differences can appear in connected speech where the /r/ is absent in non-rhotic UK accents, but not directly affecting the missile pronunciation. IPA: US/UK/AU /ˈmɪs.əl/.
The challenge lies in the reduced second syllable /əl/ and keeping a crisp, quick transition from /s/ to /l/, avoiding a separate vowel. Some speakers overemphasize the second vowel or insert an extra syllable (/ˈmɪs.ɪl/). Practice the consonant cluster /s/ + /l/ together with a light lips position, and ensure the first syllable carries the clear /ɪ/ before the quick /əl/ ending.
No. In standard pronunciations across major dialects, the stress remains on the first syllable /ˈmɪs-/, while the second syllable /əl/ is unstressed. Some rapid or emphatic speech may place slight emphasis on the second syllable for contrast, but it is not a typical stress pattern in general usage. IPA reference: /ˈmɪs.əl/.
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Missile comes from the Latin missilis, meaning
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Help others use "Missile" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Missile" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Missile" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Missile"
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