Learn How to Pronounce pillow

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pillow

Definition:

(nou) a cushion to support the head of a sleeping person

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈpɪləʊ

Examples:

The appropriate size of a bed pillow depends on the size of the bed.

They embedded the color into the pillow.

Take the pillow from the bedroom.

Learn more about:
pillow

Related Words:

blanket

cushion

How to perfect your pronunciation of: pillow

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Common mistakes of pillow pronunciation

Incorrect vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "pillow" with a long "i" sound, like "pee-low" /ˈpiːloʊ/. This is incorrect. Tip: Focus on the short "i" sound /ˈpɪloʊ/ in US English and /ˈpɪləʊ/ in UK English.
Missing the second syllable: A common mistake is to say "pillow" as a single syllable, "pill" /pɪl/. This changes the meaning and makes it hard to understand. Tip: Remember that "pillow" has two syllables: "pill" + "ow."
Stressing the wrong syllable: Some people incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "pi-LOW" /pɪˈloʊ/. This is not standard. Tip: Always stress the first syllable: "PIL-low" /ˈpɪloʊ/ in US and /ˈpɪləʊ/ in UK.
Overemphasizing the "l" sound: Learners sometimes exaggerate the "l" sound, leading to "pill-ow" /ˈpɪl.oʊ/. This can sound unnatural. Tip: Keep the "l" sound soft and smooth, as in "pillow."
Confusing with similar words: Some confuse "pillow" with "pillowcase" or "pillowtop," leading to mispronunciation. Tip: Practice each word separately to ensure clarity and accuracy in pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "pillow" in American English?

In American English, "pillow" is pronounced as /ˈpɪloʊ/. The first syllable is stressed, and the "ow" at the end sounds like the "o" in "go."

What is the British pronunciation of "pillow"?

In British English, "pillow" is pronounced as /ˈpɪləʊ/. The first syllable is still stressed, but the ending sounds like "ow" in "cow."

Does "pillow" have a schwa sound?

Yes, in the British pronunciation /ˈpɪləʊ/, the second syllable features a schwa sound represented by "ə." In American English, the second syllable is more clearly pronounced as "loʊ."

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "pillow"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress on the second syllable, saying "pi-LOW" instead of "PIL-low." Remember to emphasize the first syllable for both American and British pronunciations.