How to Pronounce Delay

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

delay

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

5

Letters

/dɪˈleɪ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “delay”

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

What does delay mean?

noun

  1. A period of time before an event occurs; the act of delaying; procrastination; lingering inactivity.

    “the delay before the echo of a sound”

  2. An audio effects unit that introduces a controlled delay.

verb

  1. To put off until a later time; to defer.
  2. To retard; to stop, detain, or hinder, for a time.

    “The mail is delayed by a heavy fall of snow.”

Synonyms

calmmoderatequellcunctationhold-upadjourndeferforslow

Hear “delay” 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 delay

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

conveydisplaydismaysobriquetdisarrayallaygaydecayplayportraycachefray

Related words

postponementwaitdetainstayholddetentionholdupdilatory

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "delay"?▾

"Delay" has 2 syllables: del · ay.

What is the IPA transcription of "delay"?▾

The IPA transcription of "delay" is /dɪˈleɪ/.

What does "delay" mean?▾

Delay: A period of time before an event occurs; the act of delaying; procrastination; lingering inactivity.

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