ascella
/aʃˈʃɛl.la/feminine
The English phrase 'underarm' can be translated into Italian as ascella.
The word refers to the armpit.
Meaning: armpit (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ascella is ascelle.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /aʃˈʃɛl.la/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ascella shares the same Latin root as the English word 'axilla', which is the medical term for the armpit.
- While ascella refers to the body part, Italians use the word deodorante specifically for underarm products, rarely using a compound word for 'underarm deodorant'.
- The word ascella is used in the Italian term febbre ascellare to describe a temperature reading taken specifically under the arm.
Examples in context
- L'ascella è molto sensibile.The armpit is very sensitive.
- Il dolore all'ascella è iniziato stamattina.The pain in the armpit started this morning.
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are talking about gym gear.
- ChiaraQuesta maglietta è troppo stretta all'ascella.This shirt is too tight under the armpit.
- LorenzoForse dovresti provare una taglia più grande.Maybe you should try a larger size.
- ChiaraSì, mi stringe proprio l'ascella sinistra.Yes, it really squeezes my left armpit.
- LorenzoPrendine un'altra e controlla subito.Take another one and check right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “underarm” translations and entries ascella, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ascella, CC BY-SA 4.0.
