How to Pronounce Busy

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

busy

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/ˈbɪzi/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “busy”

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

Sounds exactly like: bizzy — easy to mix up when writing.

What does busy mean?

noun

  1. A police officer.

verb

  1. To make somebody busy or active; to occupy.

    “On my vacation I'll busy myself with gardening.”

  2. To rush somebody.

adjective

  1. Crowded with business or activities; having a great deal going on.

    “We crossed a busy street.”

  2. Engaged in activity or by someone else.

    “He is busy with piano practice.”

Synonyms

swamped

Hear “busy” 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 busy

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

dizzytizzymizzylizziefizzyniseybizzyxyzzybrizziizziizzylizhi

Related words

overbusylaboringtoilinglabouringmeddlesomemeddlinginterferingintrusive

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "busy"?▾

"Busy" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "busy"?▾

The IPA transcription of "busy" is /ˈbɪzi/.

What does "busy" mean?▾

Busy: A police officer.

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