How to Pronounce Brain

To pronounce "brain", say BRAIN — one syllable, IPA /bɹeɪn/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

brain

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/bɹeɪn/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “brain”

"brain" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with ascertain and disdain, if that helps it stick.

What does brain mean?

noun

  1. The control center of the central nervous system of an animal located in the skull which is responsible for perception, cognition, attention, memory, emotion, and action.
  2. An intelligent person.

    “She was a total brain.”

verb

  1. To dash out the brains of; to kill by smashing the skull.
  2. To strike (someone) on the head.

Synonyms

harns

Hear “brain” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with brain

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

ascertaindisdainsustaininanemundanestrainattainprofaneplainbaneretaindomain

Related words

encephalonheadpsychegeniusmentalitybrainpowermastermindwit

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "brain"?▾

"Brain" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "brain"?▾

The IPA transcription of "brain" is /bɹeɪn/.

What does "brain" mean?▾

Brain: The control center of the central nervous system of an animal located in the skull which is responsible for perception, cognition, attention, memory, emotion, and action.

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