How do you pronounce "principal"?

In American English: /ˈprɪnsəpəl/ (PRINS-uhp-uhl). In British English: /pɹˈɪnsɪpəl/ (PR-ins-ip). In Canadian English: /ˈprɪnsəpəl/ (PRINS-uhp-uhl). In Australian English: /pɹˈɪnsɪpəl/ (PR-ins-ip).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈprɪnsəpəl/ (PRINS-uhp-uhl), while in British English it's /pɹˈɪnsɪpəl/ (PR-ins-ip).

How to Pronounce "principal"

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principal

regional

/ˈprɪnsəpəl/

PRINS-uhp-uhl

Syllable Breakdown

prɪnsprin·əpci·əlpal

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14