How Do You Spell SILL?

Pronunciation: [sˈɪl] (IPA)

The word "sill" is spelled with three letters but pronounced with two syllables. The first syllable is represented by the IPA symbol /s/ and the second syllable by /ɪl/. The letter "s" at the beginning of the word represents the voiceless alveolar sibilant consonant sound. The letter "i" represents the short vowel sound, while the letters "ll" represent a consonant cluster that represents a voiceless alveolar lateral fricative sound. Overall, the spelling of the word "sill" reflects its pronunciation using the phonetic sounds of the English language.

SILL Meaning and Definition

  1. Sill is a noun that refers to a horizontal piece of material, commonly made of wood, stone, or metal, which is positioned at the bottom of a window or doorway frame. Also known as a windowsill or threshold, the sill acts as a support and serves as a barrier or transition between the interior and exterior of a building. Sills are typically fixed in place and may be decorative or functional in nature.

    In the context of windows, a sill is the ledge below the window frame that extends outward from the wall, often providing a surface for placing objects or as a seating area. It is designed to prevent water or debris from entering the building and may be sloped to facilitate water drainage. Window sills can be found in various architectural styles and materials, such as wood, stone, concrete, or metal, which are chosen based on their aesthetic appeal and durability.

    For doorways, a sill refers to the base of the doorway frame that helps maintain the structural integrity of the opening. It often provides a flat surface where the door rests when closed and may include a raised lip or threshold to prevent drafts, insects, or moisture from entering the interior. Sills for doorways can be made of materials similar to those used for window sills.

    Overall, the sill serves both practical and decorative purposes, adding stability, functionality, and aesthetic value to window and doorway designs.

  2. The timber or stone forming the bottom of a door or window; the threshold of a door or window; in mining, flat-bedded strata of sandstone or similar hard rocks.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SILL *

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Other Common Misspellings for SILL

Etymology of SILL

The word "sill" has a fascinating etymology. It can be traced back to the Old English word "syl", which meant a timber beam or post that served as the foundation for a structure. This Old English term, in turn, originated from the Proto-Germanic word "suljo", which had a similar meaning.

The Proto-Germanic word "suljo" can be linked to the Proto-Indo-European root word "*sūl-", which denoted a supporting post or column. This root word gave rise to various related words in different Indo-European languages. For example, in Old High German, we have "sulza" and in Old Norse, we have "sull" or "sullr", all of which meant a threshold or timber beam.

Similar spelling words for SILL

Plural form of SILL is SILLS

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