How to Pronounce Exercise

To pronounce "exercise", say EX-erc-is-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈɛksɝˌsaɪz/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

exercise

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈɛksɝˌsaɪz/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/ˈɛksəsˌaɪz/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “exercise”

"exercise" has 4 syllables: ex-erc-is-e. It rhymes with scrutinize and surmise, if that helps it stick.

What does exercise mean?

noun

Any activity designed to develop or hone a skill or ability.
“The teacher told us that the next exercise is to write an essay.”
Activity intended to improve physical, or sometimes mental, strength and fitness.
“I do crosswords for mental exercise.”

verb

To exert for the sake of training or improvement; to practice in order to develop.
“to exercise troops or horses; to exercise one's brain with a puzzle”
To perform physical activity for health or training.
“I exercise at the gym every day.”

Hear “exercise” 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 exercise

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

scrutinize surmise aggrandize emphasize recognize actualize analyze reprise comprise likewise demise rise

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "exercise"?▾

"Exercise" has 4 syllables: ex · erc · is · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "exercise"?▾

The IPA transcription of "exercise" is /ˈɛksɝˌsaɪz/.

What does "exercise" mean?▾

Exercise: Any activity designed to develop or hone a skill or ability.

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