Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

abseil

/ˈæb.seɪl/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 1.89 in modern English

Syllables: ab-seil
IPA: /ˈæb.seɪl/

8

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

2

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To descend a steep or vertical drop using a rope with a mechanical friction device or (classic abseil) by wrapping the rope around the body.

Intransitive verb

noun

A descent in mountaineering using a rope looped at the top and a friction device.

Example Sentences

"Although only five miles north of Winchester, the tunnel is in a rural location with no road access. Contractors were only able to reach the site after cutting through thick vegetation and abseiling down the slope on ropes."

Etymology

From German abseilen, from ab- (“down”) + Seil (“rope”).

Origin

Source language: German

Word Breakdown

Root: abseilen

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈæb.seɪl/
British English: /ˈæb.seɪl/

Usage

Intransitive verb

Inflected Forms

abseils (present, singular) abseiling (participle, present) abseiled (participle, past) abseiled (past) abseils (plural)

Derived Forms

abseiler

Synonyms

rappel rope down

Questions

How do you pronounce abseil?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈæb.seɪl/.
What does abseil mean?: To descend a steep or vertical drop using a rope with a mechanical friction device or (classic abseil) by wrapping the rope around the body.
Where does abseil come from?: It is traced to German.

How to pronounce abseil

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “abseil”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈæb.seɪl/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “abseil”.
Repeat and practice — Say “abseil” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.