Pronunciation guide
How to pronounce colonel
KUR-nul - two syllables, said exactly like 'kernel'
US/ˈkɝnəl/
kɝnəl
UK/ˈkɜːnəl/
kɜːnəl
New to IPA symbols? Read the IPA guide.
Common mistake
It sounds like 'kernel', not 'CO-lo-nel'.
What “colonel” means
A commissioned officer in an armed military organization, typically the highest rank before flag officer ranks ( generals ). It is generally found in armies, air forces or naval infantry (marines).
A military leader, distinct from the modern professional military rank.
In a sentence
- The colonel reviewed the troops before the parade.
- Colonel Sanders founded KFC and became a household name.
Definitions and examples are derived from Wiktionary, used under CC BY-SA 4.0, then edited by QuickPronounce. Pronunciation data draws on CMUdict.