How to Pronounce Sly

To pronounce "sly", say SLY — one syllable, IPA /slaɪ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

sly

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/slaɪ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “sly”

"sly" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with wry and exemplify, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: sligh, slye — easy to mix up when writing.

What does sly mean?

adjective

  1. Artfully cunning; secretly mischievous; wily.
  2. (having a positive sense) Dexterous in performing an action, so as to escape notice

adverb

  1. Slyly.

Synonyms

artfulcautiousnimbleshrewdskillfulcraftycunningknowing

Hear “sly” 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 sly

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

wryexemplifyrectifyhighlieapplyfortifyawrymollifyamplifynullifycry

Related words

wilycunningtricksyartfulguilefulknavishcraftydodgy

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "sly"?▾

"Sly" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "sly"?▾

The IPA transcription of "sly" is /slaɪ/.

What does "sly" mean?▾

Sly: Artfully cunning; secretly mischievous; wily.

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