How to Pronounce Decay

To pronounce "decay", say DEC-ay — 2 syllables, IPA /dɪˈkeɪ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

decay

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

5

Letters

/dɪˈkeɪ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “decay”

"decay" has 2 syllables: dec-ay. It rhymes with convey and display, if that helps it stick.

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

What does decay mean?

noun

  1. The process or result of being gradually decomposed.
  2. A deterioration of condition; loss of status or fortune.

verb

  1. To deteriorate, to get worse, to lose strength or health, to decline in quality.

    “The pair loved to take pictures in the decaying hospital on forty-third street.”

  2. (of organic material) To rot, to go bad.

    “The cat's body decayed rapidly.”

Hear “decay” 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 decay

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

conveydisplaydismaysobriquetdisarrayallaygayplayportraycachefrayarray

Related words

crumbledeclinedisintegrationdisintegratedecomposedecompositiondelapidatespoilage

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "decay"?▾

"Decay" has 2 syllables: dec · ay.

What is the IPA transcription of "decay"?▾

The IPA transcription of "decay" is /dɪˈkeɪ/.

What does "decay" mean?▾

Decay: The process or result of being gradually decomposed.

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