How to Pronounce Secretary

To pronounce "secretary", say SECR-et-ary — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈsɛkɹəˌtɛɹi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

secretary

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

/ˈsɛkɹəˌtɛɹi/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/sˈɛkɹətɹˌi/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “secretary”

"secretary" has 3 syllables: secr-et-ary. It rhymes with extraordinary and contemporary, if that helps it stick.

What does secretary mean?

noun

  1. Someone entrusted with a secret; a confidant.
  2. A person who keeps records, takes notes and handles general clerical work.

verb

  1. To serve as a secretary of.

Hear “secretary” 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 secretary

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

extraordinarycontemporarycontrarysanctuarysolitaryarbitrarywaryordinarytarryemissarycarryancillary

Related words

secretairerepositoryescritoiresecretariatdirectoratebureaucommissionerdirector-general

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "secretary"?▾

"Secretary" has 3 syllables: secr · et · ary.

What is the IPA transcription of "secretary"?▾

The IPA transcription of "secretary" is /ˈsɛkɹəˌtɛɹi/.

What does "secretary" mean?▾

Secretary: Someone entrusted with a secret; a confidant.

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