How to Pronounce Hillbilly

To pronounce "hillbilly", say HILLB-illy — 2 syllables, IPA /hɪlˈbɪ.li/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

hillbilly

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Accent

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2

Syllables

9

Letters

/hɪlˈbɪ.li/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “hillbilly”

"hillbilly" has 2 syllables: hillb-illy.

What does hillbilly mean?

noun

  1. Someone who is from the hills; especially from a rural area, with a connotation of a lack of refinement or sophistication.
  2. A white person from the rural southern part of the United States, especially the Southeastern states.

verb

  1. To emphasize one's rural or humble upbringing; to use unsophisticated charm.
  2. To portray or act as an uneducated and unsophisticated fool.

Synonyms

hick

Related words

bushwhackerfolkcountrynonclassicalwesternredneckyokelhick

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "hillbilly"?▾

"Hillbilly" has 2 syllables: hillb · illy.

What is the IPA transcription of "hillbilly"?▾

The IPA transcription of "hillbilly" is /hɪlˈbɪ.li/.

What does "hillbilly" mean?▾

Hillbilly: Someone who is from the hills; especially from a rural area, with a connotation of a lack of refinement or sophistication.

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