How to Pronounce Desire

To pronounce "desire", say DES-ir-e — 3 syllables, IPA /dɪˈzaɪə/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

desire

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying desire, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

3

Syllables

6

Letters

/dɪˈzaɪə/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “desire”

"desire" has 3 syllables: des-ir-e. It rhymes with acquire and pyre, if that helps it stick.

What does desire mean?

noun

  1. Someone or something wished for.

    “It is my desire to speak with you.”

  2. Strong attraction, particularly romantic or sexual.

    “His desire for her kept him awake at night.”

verb

  1. To want; to wish for earnestly.

    “I desire to speak with you.”

  2. To put a request to (someone); to entreat.

Synonyms

wannawant-to

Words that rhyme with desire

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

acquirepyrepriorsirefirequagmireenquirerequiresatiretranspireattirebonfire

Related words

wanthopetrustwantingcraveyearndesirouscraving

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "desire"?▾

"Desire" has 3 syllables: des · ir · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "desire"?▾

The IPA transcription of "desire" is /dɪˈzaɪə/.

What does "desire" mean?▾

Desire: Someone or something wished for.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “desire” in the full dictionary →