How to Pronounce Expense

To pronounce "expense", say EXP-ens-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ɪkˈspɛns/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

expense

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Accent

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Speed

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Syllables

Letters

/ɪkˈspɛns/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “expense”

"expense" has 3 syllables: exp-ens-e. It rhymes with intense and pretense, if that helps it stick.

What does expense mean?

noun

A spending or consuming, often a disbursement of funds.
“Buying the car was a big expense, but will be worth it in the long run.”
The elimination or consumption of something, sometimes with the notion of loss or damage to the thing eliminated.
“Jones reached the final at the expense of Smith, who couldn't beat him.”

verb

To charge a cost against an expense account; to bill something to the company for which one works.
“It should be acceptable to expense a business lunch with a client.”

Synonyms

charge cost disbursement expenditure outlay payment

Hear “expense” 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 expense

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

intense pretense sense dense recompense immense tense commence fence thence incense dispense

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "expense"?▾

"Expense" has 3 syllables: exp · ens · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "expense"?▾

The IPA transcription of "expense" is /ɪkˈspɛns/.

What does "expense" mean?▾

Expense: A spending or consuming, often a disbursement of funds.

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