How do you pronounce "pencil"?

In American English: /ˈpɛnsəl/ (PEHNS-uhl). In British English: /pˈɛnsəl/ (P-ehns). In Canadian English: /ˈpɛnsəl/ (PEHNS-uhl). In Australian English: /pˈɛnsəl/ (P-ehns).

Is "pencil" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈpɛnsəl/ (PEHNS-uhl), while in British English it's /pˈɛnsəl/ (P-ehns).

How to Pronounce "pencil"

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pencil

/ˈpɛnsəl/

PEHNS-uhl

Syllable Breakdown

pɛnspen·əlcil

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14