How to Pronounce Dean

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

dean

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/diːn/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “dean”

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

Sounds exactly like: deen, deane — easy to mix up when writing.

What does dean mean?

noun

  1. A senior official in a college or university, who may be in charge of a division or faculty (for example, the dean of science) or have some other advisory or disciplinary function (for example, the dean of students).
  2. A dignitary or presiding officer in certain church bodies, especially an ecclesiastical dignitary, subordinate to a bishop, in charge of a chapter of canons.

verb

  1. To serve as a dean.
  2. To send (a student) to see the dean of a university.

Synonyms

provost

Words that rhyme with dean

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

keenobscenemeanbyzantinelibertinecareenleandemeanpreengleancontraveneteen

Related words

doyenvice-chancellorbencherbmocprovostcoletdebtrector

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "dean"?▾

"Dean" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "dean"?▾

The IPA transcription of "dean" is /diːn/.

What does "dean" mean?▾

Dean: A senior official in a college or university, who may be in charge of a division or faculty (for example, the dean of science) or have some other advisory or disciplinary function (for example, the dean of students).

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