WEE-vuhl
/ˈwivəl/
weevil is pronounced WEE-vuhl (/ˈwivəl/). A weevil is a small beetle, typically oval-shaped with a pronounced snout, known for feeding on plants and stored grains. The word can also refer to any of several weevil species. In general usage it denotes a nuisance pest, sometimes metaphorically as a minor irritant. The term originates from a Germanic root and has entered English via early scientific nomenclature.
A weevil is a small beetle, typically oval-shaped with a pronounced snout, known for feeding on plants and stored grains. The word can also refer to any of several weevil species. In general usage it denotes a nuisance pest, sometimes metaphorically as a minor irritant. The term originates from a Germanic root and has entered English via early scientific nomenclature.
"The farmer found larvae of a weevil infesting the grain bins."
"A weevil’s long snout helps it bore into seeds and stems."
"Gardeners beware of weevils when plants start to wilt."
Pronounce it WEV-uhl, with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA: US/UK/AU /ˈwiː.vəl/. Start with a bilabial /w/ sound, then the long vowel /iː/ as in “see,” followed by a soft /v/ and the schwa-like /ə/ in unstressed final syllable, ending with an light /l/. Think: “WEEV-uhl” but the last syllable is lightly pronounced. If you listen to native speakers, you’ll hear a clear, steady long vowel followed by a weak ending. Audio reference: Cambridge or Forvo entries for ‘weevil’ can help confirm the /wiː.vəl/ rhythm.
Two common errors: (1) Misplacing the /iː/ as a short /ɪ/ or reducing it to a schwa, which makes it 'we-vəl' instead of 'wee-vəl'; (2) Lengthening or misplacing the /l/ such that it becomes a dark or extra syllable like 'weev-uhl' with a heavy ending. Correction: keep the /iː/ long and crisp, and end with a light, syllabic /l/ or a quick /l/ with minimal vowel after it. Practice the sequence WEEV + ul, ensuring the first syllable has sustained vowel and the second is short and schwa-like.
Across US/UK/AU, the core /ˈwiː.vəl/ remains, with minor vowel quality differences. US speakers may have a slightly tenser /iː/ and crisper /v/; UK speakers may exhibit a marginally shorter first vowel and a lighter final /l/ in non-rhotic contexts; Australian speakers tend to maintain a clear /iː/ but may have a more centralized vowel in rapid speech. The rhotics do not drastically alter the word, but overall vowel length and lip rounding can vary subtly with accent.
The difficulty lies in the long /iː/ vowel followed by a brief, almost silent /ə/ before the final /l/, which can create a subtle diphthong or reduce similarly sounding syllables. English learners often mispronounce as ‘WEV-ell’ or ‘WEEV-UL.’ Key challenge: keep the first syllable clearly long, then release into a light, unstressed second syllable. Focusing on the transition from a tense /iː/ to a subdued /ə/ helps avoid common distortions.
Yes. The word features a long high front vowel /iː/ followed by a reduced syllable and final /l/, which in careful speech can sound almost like two shorter segments rather than a single smooth beat. The challenge is distributing the energy so that /wiː/ is strong and the second syllable remains light. In some dialects, the final /l/ can be very light or even vocalized as a dark /ɫ/ or omitted, depending on speaker and pace.
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The word weevil traces to the Old English wefel or wigol, from Proto-Germanic *wigilaz and ultimately Proto-Indo-European roots related to biting or cutting. Its use in English expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries with the rise of agricultural science, as scientists described pests in stored grains. The morphological element weev- likely arose from the German word weevil or weevil, which aligns with the common name for Curculionidae beetles, known for their elongated snouts. The term moved from generic insect naming into specific pest identification, with early texts distinguishing grain weevils (Sitophilus spp.) as particular threats in granaries. Today, “weevil” broadly designates members of the weevil family, though in common parlance it often implies pest status rather than taxonomic precision.
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Help others use "weevil" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "weevil" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "weevil" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "weevil"
-lle sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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