How to Pronounce Surveillance

To pronounce "surveillance", say SURV-eill-anc-e — 4 syllables, IPA /sɝˈveɪɫəns/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

surveillance

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/sɝˈveɪɫəns/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/səvˈeɪləns/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “surveillance”

"surveillance" has 4 syllables: surv-eill-anc-e. It rhymes with valance and failance, if that helps it stick.

What does surveillance mean?

noun

Close observation of an individual or group; person or persons under suspicion.
Continuous monitoring of disease occurrence for example.

Hear “surveillance” 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 surveillance

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

valance failance valence

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "surveillance"?▾

"Surveillance" has 4 syllables: surv · eill · anc · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "surveillance"?▾

The IPA transcription of "surveillance" is /sɝˈveɪɫəns/.

What does "surveillance" mean?▾

Surveillance: Close observation of an individual or group; person or persons under suspicion.

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