How to Pronounce Dictionary

To pronounce "dictionary", say DICT-ion-ary — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈdɪkʃəˌnɛɹi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

dictionary

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Accent

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3

Syllables

10

Letters

/ˈdɪkʃəˌnɛɹi/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/dˈɪkʃənəɹi/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “dictionary”

"dictionary" has 3 syllables: dict-ion-ary. It rhymes with extraordinary and contemporary, if that helps it stick.

What does dictionary mean?

noun

  1. A reference work with a list of words from one or more languages, normally ordered alphabetically, explaining each word's meaning, and sometimes containing information on its etymology, pronunciation, usage, translations, and other data.
  2. (preceded by the) A synchronic dictionary of a standardised language held to only contain words that are properly part of the language.

verb

  1. To look up in a dictionary.
  2. To add to a dictionary.

Synonyms

wordbook

Hear “dictionary” 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 dictionary

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

extraordinarycontemporarycontrarysanctuarysolitaryarbitrarywaryordinarytarryemissarycarryancillary

Related words

lexiconthesaurusencyclopediaencyclopaediavocabularyglossarybookdescriptive

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "dictionary"?▾

"Dictionary" has 3 syllables: dict · ion · ary.

What is the IPA transcription of "dictionary"?▾

The IPA transcription of "dictionary" is /ˈdɪkʃəˌnɛɹi/.

What does "dictionary" mean?▾

Dictionary: A reference work with a list of words from one or more languages, normally ordered alphabetically, explaining each word's meaning, and sometimes containing information on its etymology, pronunciation, usage, translations, and other data.

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