How to Pronounce Melancholy

To pronounce "melancholy", say MEL-anch-oly — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈmɛɫənˌkɑɫi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

melancholy

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

10

Letters

/ˈmɛɫənˌkɑɫi/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/mˈɛlənkˌɒli/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “melancholy”

"melancholy" has 3 syllables: mel-anch-oly. It rhymes with folly and golly, if that helps it stick.

What does melancholy mean?

noun

  1. Black bile, formerly thought to be one of the four "cardinal humours" of animal bodies.
  2. Great sadness or depression, especially of a thoughtful or introspective nature.

adjective

  1. Affected with great sadness or depression.

    “Melancholy people don't talk much.”

Synonyms

melancholic

Hear “melancholy” 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 melancholy

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

follygollydollycollyjollyvolleyolliemollysquallyloblollypollycallee

Related words

melancholicsadbluegloomydepressedwoeacutenostalgic

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "melancholy"?▾

"Melancholy" has 3 syllables: mel · anch · oly.

What is the IPA transcription of "melancholy"?▾

The IPA transcription of "melancholy" is /ˈmɛɫənˌkɑɫi/.

What does "melancholy" mean?▾

Melancholy: Black bile, formerly thought to be one of the four "cardinal humours" of animal bodies.

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