How to Pronounce Philistine

To pronounce "philistine", say PHIL-ist-in-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈfɪlɪstaɪn/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

philistine

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈfɪlɪstaɪn/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “philistine”

"philistine" has 4 syllables: phil-ist-in-e. It rhymes with keen and obscene, if that helps it stick.

What does philistine mean?

noun

A person who is ignorant or uneducated; specifically, a person who lacks appreciation of or is antagonistic towards art or culture, and who has pedestrian tastes.

adjective

Ignorant or uneducated; specifically, lacking appreciation for or antagonistic towards art or culture, and having pedestrian tastes.

Synonyms

heathen philistinic philistinish

Hear “philistine” 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 philistine

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

keen obscene mean byzantine libertine careen lean demean preen glean contravene teen

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "philistine"?▾

"Philistine" has 4 syllables: phil · ist · in · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "philistine"?▾

The IPA transcription of "philistine" is /ˈfɪlɪstaɪn/.

What does "philistine" mean?▾

Philistine: A person who is ignorant or uneducated; specifically, a person who lacks appreciation of or is antagonistic towards art or culture, and who has pedestrian tastes.

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