Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

apostle

/əˈpɑsl̩/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.46 in modern English

Syllables
apos-tle
IPA
/əˈpɑsl̩/
9
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
3
Syllables
7
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A missionary, or leader of a religious mission, especially one in the early Christian Church (but see Apostle).

noun

A person who is plucked, that is, refused an academic degree.

Obsolete

noun

A letter dismissory.

noun

Any of the group of twelve disciples chosen by Jesus to preach and spread the Gospel.

Example Sentences

Etymology

From Middle English apostle, from Old French apostle, from Late Latin apostolus, from Ancient Greek ἀπόστολος (apóstolos, “one sent forth, apostle”). Merged with Old English apostol, borrowing from the same Latin source.

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: *stel-, apostle, apostolus, ἀπόστολος, apostol

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /əˈpɑsl̩/
  • British English: /əˈpɒs(ə)l/

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce apostle?
The recorded pronunciation is /əˈpɑsl̩/.
What does apostle mean?
A missionary, or leader of a religious mission, especially one in the early Christian Church (but see Apostle).
Where does apostle come from?
It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce apostle

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