How to Pronounce Telephone

To pronounce "telephone", say TEL-eph-on-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈtɛləfəʊn/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

telephone

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈtɛləfəʊn/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “telephone”

"telephone" has 4 syllables: tel-eph-on-e. It rhymes with moan and groan, if that helps it stick.

What does telephone mean?

noun

A telecommunication device (originally mechanical, and now electronic) used for two-way talking with another person (now often shortened to phone).
The game of Chinese whispers.

verb

To (attempt to) contact someone using the telephone.
To convey (a message) by telephoning.

Synonyms

Ameche blower dog and bone farspeaker horn phone call drop a line ring

Words that rhyme with telephone

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

moan groan drone bemoan cornerstone tone stone condone unknown cyclone atone baritone

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "telephone"?▾

"Telephone" has 4 syllables: tel · eph · on · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "telephone"?▾

The IPA transcription of "telephone" is /ˈtɛləfəʊn/.

What does "telephone" mean?▾

Telephone: A telecommunication device (originally mechanical, and now electronic) used for two-way talking with another person (now often shortened to phone).

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