How to pronounce bicycle
Say it like BY-sih-kul. Bicycle has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bicycle. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BY
- sih
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bicycle pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- sihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of bicycle
American and British speakers say bicycle in essentially the same way: /ˈbaɪsɪkəl/ in the US and /ˈbaɪsɪkəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: BY-sih-kul.
What does bicycle mean?
- a wheeled vehicle that has two wheels and is moved by foot pedals
- ride a bicycle
Where does bicycle come from?
(promiscuous woman): From double meaning of ride ("to transport oneself upon" vs.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with bicycle
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of bicycle.
Questions about saying bicycle
How do you pronounce bicycle?
Say BY-sih-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˈbaɪsɪkəl/. In British English it is /ˈbaɪsɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bicycle?
Bicycle has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BY). Broken into parts: BY · sih · kul.
Do Americans and Brits say bicycle the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbaɪsɪkəl/ and the British form is /ˈbaɪsɪkəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.