How to Pronounce Spying

To pronounce "spying", say SPYING — one syllable, IPA /ˈspaɪ.ɪŋ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

spying

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Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

6

Letters

/ˈspaɪ.ɪŋ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “spying”

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

What does spying mean?

verb

  1. To act as a spy.

    “During the Cold War, Russia and America would each spy on each other for recon.”

  2. To spot; to catch sight of.

    “I think I can spy that hot guy coming over here.”

noun

  1. Espionage

Hear “spying” 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 spying

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

gratifyingmystifyingedifyingterrifyingpryingsatisfyingelectrifyinghorrifyingtryingintensifyingunderlyingcrying

Related words

detectionespialspottingcatchingespionagesnoopingreconnaissanceeavesdropping

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "spying"?▾

"Spying" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "spying"?▾

The IPA transcription of "spying" is /ˈspaɪ.ɪŋ/.

What does "spying" mean?▾

Spying: To act as a spy.

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