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Pronunciation Comparison
🔊 Homophones: 100% Identical Pronunciation (⁄faʊl⁄)

How to Pronounce foul vs fowl

Key Pronunciation Contrast

"foul" and "fowl" are exact English homophones with 100% identical phonetic pronunciation (⁄faʊl⁄). They share the exact same sound from start to finish but differ in spelling, origin, and meaning.

Word 1Full word page➔

foul

⁄faʊl⁄

Syllables

FOUL

Definition:

Covered with, or containing unclean matter; dirty.

“This cloth is too foul to use as a duster.”
Word 2Full word page➔

fowl

⁄faʊl⁄

Syllables

FOWL

Definition:

Any bird.

“And now I take vpon me the aduentures of holy thynges / & now I see and vnderstande that myn old synne hyndereth me and shameth me / so that I had no power to stere nor speke whan the holy blood appiered afore me / So thus he sorowed til hit was day / & herd the fowles synge / thenne somwhat he was comforted”

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Frequently Asked Questions: foul vs fowl

What is the difference in pronunciation between "foul" and "fowl"?

"foul" and "fowl" are exact English homophones with 100% identical phonetic pronunciation (⁄faʊl⁄). They share the exact same sound from start to finish but differ in spelling, origin, and meaning.

Where does the syllable stress fall in "foul" vs "fowl"?

"foul" has 1 syllable(s) (foul) with stress on "FOUL". "fowl" has 1 syllable(s) (fowl) with stress on "FOWL".

Why do English learners often confuse "foul" and "fowl"?

These words share similar consonant frameworks and vowel lengths, making them difficult for non-native speakers to distinguish without back-to-back ear training.

What are example sentences for "foul" and "fowl"?

Example for "foul": "This cloth is too foul to use as a duster." Example for "fowl": "And now I take vpon me the aduentures of holy thynges / & now I see and vnderstande that myn old synne hyndereth me and shameth me / so that I had no power to stere nor speke whan the holy blood appiered afore me / So thus he sorowed til hit was day / & herd the fowles synge / thenne somwhat he was comforted"