How to Pronounce Patriarch

To pronounce "patriarch", say PATR-iarch — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈpeɪtɹɪɑːk/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

patriarch

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈpeɪtɹɪɑːk/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “patriarch”

"patriarch" has 2 syllables: patr-iarch. It rhymes with stark and mark, if that helps it stick.

What does patriarch mean?

noun

The highest form of bishop, in the ancient world having authority over other bishops in the province but now generally as an honorary title; in Roman Catholicism, considered a bishop second only to the Pope in rank.
In Biblical contexts, a male leader of a family, tribe or ethnic group, especially one of the twelve sons of Jacob (considered to have created the twelve tribes of Israel) or (in plural) Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Synonyms

ancestor forebear forefather highfather paterfamilias

Antonyms

materfamilias matriarch

Words that rhyme with patriarch

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

stark mark dark remark snark spark monarch bark benchmark lark embark earmark

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "patriarch"?▾

"Patriarch" has 2 syllables: patr · iarch.

What is the IPA transcription of "patriarch"?▾

The IPA transcription of "patriarch" is /ˈpeɪtɹɪɑːk/.

What does "patriarch" mean?▾

Patriarch: The highest form of bishop, in the ancient world having authority over other bishops in the province but now generally as an honorary title; in Roman Catholicism, considered a bishop second only to the Pope in rank.

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