VES-uhlz
/ˈvɛsəlz/
vessels is pronounced VES-uhlz (/ˈvɛsəlz/). Vessels is the plural of vessel, referring to containers or anatomical channels that transport fluids. It can also mean ships collectively. In pronunciation, the final -s is pronounced as a clear /z/ in most contexts, and the initial /ˈv/ syllable carries primary stress on the first syllable.
Vessels is the plural of vessel, referring to containers or anatomical channels that transport fluids. It can also mean ships collectively. In pronunciation, the final -s is pronounced as a clear /z/ in most contexts, and the initial /ˈv/ syllable carries primary stress on the first syllable.
"The plastic vessels on the shelf hold liquids used in the experiment."
"Blood vessels are essential components of the circulatory system."
"The ancient ships were sailing vessels found near the harbor."
Pronounce as two syllables with primary stress on the first: /ˈvɛs.əlz/. The first vowel is a short open-mid /ɛ/ as in 'bed,' then a schwa in the second syllable, and a voiced -z plural ending. Tip: keep the /z/ voiced rather than voiceless. Audio reference: in many dictionaries you can hear American, British, and Australian variants—listen for the subtle second-syllable reduction but maintain /z/ at the end.
Common errors include pronouncing the second syllable with a full vowel like /eɪ/ (as in “vay-sels”) or devoicing the final /z/ to /s/. To correct: ensure the second syllable uses a short, reduced vowel /əl/ or schwa, and voice the final /z/. Keep the word flow steady so the two syllables aren’t merged too tightly. Practice with minimal pairs to feel the contrast between /ˈvɛs.əlz/ and mispronunciations.
In US English, /ˈvɛs.əlz/ with a tight, unstressed second syllable and a clear /z/ ending. UK English often has a slightly crisper /ˈves.əlz/ with less vowel reduction in rapid speech; the first vowel is similar but the final /z/ remains voiced. Australian English mirrors US patterns but can show a marginally longer vowel in the first syllable and a softer /l/ in the second. Overall, stress placement stays on the first syllable across accents.
The difficulty comes from the final /z/ cluster after a reduced second syllable and maintaining a short first vowel. The transition from /ˈvɛs/ to /əlz/ requires precise tongue position and voicing. People often devoice the /z/ or substitute a /s/ or merge vowels. Work on keeping the second syllable light but audible, and ensure the final /z/ is fully voiced to preserve plurality and meaning.
Treat the word as two stable blocks: VES + els. Pronounce the first syllable with /v/ + /ɛ/ + /s/, then glide into /əlz/. Keep your tongue tip near the alveolar ridge for /t/ actually not present, but the /s/ stops at /s/ then you add /əlz/. The key is the /əl/ in the second syllable, where the schwa is weakly pronounced; practice by saying ‘VES-uhlz’ in slow, then natural speed.
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Vessel comes from the Latin vas, meaning ‘a container or vessel,’ via Old French vase. The plural -s is a productive English suffix. The path from vas to vessel involved Middle English adoption as vase/vas through Latin, with -et deriving from -et-/-ette diminutive-like usage, though in this case the modern plural -s simply marks number. The sense shifted from physical containers to anatomical channels (blood vessels) in the scientific era, and later to ships and boats (sailing vessels). By the 17th–18th centuries, vessel had developed specialized senses in anatomy and maritime contexts, while retaining the generic container meaning. The pronunciation settled into the modern /ˈvɛs.əlz/ pattern, with the plural -s pronounced as /z/ after a voiced alveolar /l/ and /s/ sequence, a typical English plural. The dual semantic range (anatomical/organizational “vessel” vs. nautical “vessel”) reflects metaphorical extension across domains, reinforcing the word’s broad utility in science, history, and everyday language.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "vessels" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "vessels" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "vessels"
-els sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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