drawl

American  

[drawl] / drɔl /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to say or speak in a slow manner, usually prolonging the vowels.

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noun

1. an act or utterance of a person who drawls.

drawl British  

/ drɔːl /

verb

1. to speak or utter (words) slowly, esp prolonging the vowel sounds

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noun

1. the way of speech of someone who drawls

Other Word Forms

• drawler noun
• drawling adjective
• drawlingly adverb
• drawlingness noun
• drawly adjective

Etymology

Origin of drawl

1590–1600; < Dutch or Low German dralen to linger

Example Sentences

The simple image, delivered with Lanier’s slight drawl, helped convince a majority of jurors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Byrne has said she has a go-to phrase -- "Patty hired 24-hour security for Katie" -- when she finds herself struggling to summon the Yankee drawl.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

Acquaintances describe Martin’s demeanor as extraordinarily genial; he smiled constantly and offered his diagnoses in a straightforward, unflappable drawl.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

The Prestwich branch on Bury New Road has changed its name to "Aldeh" to reflect Manchester's distinctive drawl and the Mancunian pronunciation of its name, the firm said.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2025

Maybe she was hoarse, or maybe it was the way she said her words, with both a drawl and a clip.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison