How to Pronounce Vocabulary

To pronounce "vocabulary", say VOC-ab-ul-ary — 4 syllables, IPA /voʊˈkæbjəˌɫɛɹi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

vocabulary

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying vocabulary, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

Syllables

Letters

/voʊˈkæbjəˌɫɛɹi/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/vəʊkˈæbjʊləɹi/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “vocabulary”

"vocabulary" has 4 syllables: voc-ab-ul-ary. It rhymes with extraordinary and contemporary, if that helps it stick.

What does vocabulary mean?

noun

A usually alphabetized and explained collection of words e.g. of a particular field, or prepared for a specific purpose, often for learning.
The collection of words a person knows and uses.
“My Russian vocabulary is very limited.”

Synonyms

clavis glossary idioticon word-stock

Hear “vocabulary” 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 vocabulary

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

extraordinary contemporary contrary sanctuary solitary arbitrary wary ordinary tarry emissary carry ancillary

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "vocabulary"?▾

"Vocabulary" has 4 syllables: voc · ab · ul · ary.

What is the IPA transcription of "vocabulary"?▾

The IPA transcription of "vocabulary" is /voʊˈkæbjəˌɫɛɹi/.

What does "vocabulary" mean?▾

Vocabulary: A usually alphabetized and explained collection of words e.g. of a particular field, or prepared for a specific purpose, often for learning.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “vocabulary” in the full dictionary →