Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

foolscap

/ˈfuːl.skæp/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 1.53 in modern English

Syllables: foolscap
IPA: /ˈfuːl.skæp/

15

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

1

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Writing paper sheets measuring 13.25 × 16.5 inches.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

Such a sheet folded or cut in half, thus approximately 8 × 13.25 inches.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

Printing paper measuring 13.5 × 17 inches.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

Alternative form of fool's cap.

Countable; Uncountable

Example Sentences

"At twilight in the summer there is never anybody to fear—man, woman, or cat—in the chambers and at that hour the mice come out. They do not eat parchment or foolscap or red tape, but they eat the luncheon crumbs."

Etymology

Probably from a watermark of a fool's cap.

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈfuːl.skæp/
British English: /ˈfuːl.skæp/

Usage

Inflected Forms

foolscaps (plural)

Phrases

double foolscap

Frequently Paired Words

legal quarto

Questions

How do you pronounce foolscap?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈfuːl.skæp/.
What does foolscap mean?: Writing paper sheets measuring 13.25 × 16.5 inches.
Where does foolscap come from?: Probably from a watermark of a fool's cap.

How to pronounce foolscap

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