How to pronounce algorithm
Say it like AL-guh-rith-um. Algorithm has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce algorithm. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AL
- guh
- rith
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Algorithm pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- guhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rithGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of algorithm
American and British speakers say algorithm in essentially the same way: /ˈælɡəˌrɪðəm/ in the US and /ˈælɡəˌrɪðəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: AL-guh-rith-um.
What does algorithm mean?
- a precise rule (or set of rules) specifying how to solve some problem
Questions about saying algorithm
How do you pronounce algorithm?
Say AL-guh-rith-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈælɡəˌrɪðəm/. In British English it is /ˈælɡəˌrɪðəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in algorithm?
Algorithm has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AL). Broken into parts: AL · guh · rith · um.
Do Americans and Brits say algorithm the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈælɡəˌrɪðəm/ and the British form is /ˈælɡəˌrɪðəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.