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

In her best quotable moments, she seamlessly infuses her sometimes shrill timbre with a dash of Southern drawl.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 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

Dalgard was a tall man in his fifties, with metal-framed glasses, pale blue eyes, a shy manner, and a soft drawl that he had picked up in Texas at veterinary school.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston