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Kernal or kernel?

Did you mean kernel? Here's the right spelling and how to remember it.

Incorrect

kernal

Correct

kernel

Letter by letter
CorrectWrong

Correct spelling: kernel. Misspelling: kernal.

letters the misspelling gets wrong or leaves out letters that shouldn't be there

Memory tip

It ends in -el, like camel: ker-NEL.

Why people write “kernal”

The misspelling “kernal” is only one letter off: it writes A where kernel has E, an easy slip because in an unstressed syllable both vowels can sound like the same soft "uh".

Spell-checkers catch the mistake in a document, but not in a handwritten note, a text message or a word game. Writing the word out a few times while saying the tricky part aloud is the quickest way to make kernel automatic.

What does “kernel” mean?

kernel noun

  1. the inner and usually edible part of a seed or grain or nut or fruit stone

    “black walnut kernels are difficult to get out of the shell”

    Synonyms:meat

  2. a single whole grain of a cereal

    “a kernel of corn”

  3. the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience

    “the gist of the prosecutor's argument”

    Synonyms:substancecorecentercentreessence

Definitions from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Full dictionary entry

“Kernel” in a sentence

  • Every kernel of corn popped.
  • Black walnut kernels are difficult to get out of the shell.
  • A kernel of corn.
  • The gist of the prosecutor's argument.

Is “kernel” a playable word?

k 5e 1r 1n 1e 1l 1

10 points in Scrabble · 12 in Words With Friends

  • Scrabble (US)
  • Scrabble (UK)
  • Words With Friends

“kernal” is not accepted in any of these games. See every word you can make from KERNEL.

Kernel: quick answers

Is it kernal or kernel?
The correct spelling is kernel. “kernal” is a misspelling: it does not appear in standard dictionaries or in the Scrabble and Words With Friends word lists.
How can I remember how to spell kernel?
It ends in -el, like camel: ker-NEL.
What does kernel mean?
Kernel means: the inner and usually edible part of a seed or grain or nut or fruit stone.