How to pronounce bilious
Say it like BIL-yus. Bilious has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bilious. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BIL
- yus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bilious pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- yusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of bilious
- American English uses 2 syllables and British English 3.
British respelling: BIL-ee-us.
What does bilious mean?
- Of or pertaining to something containing or consisting of bile.
- Resembling bile, especially in color.
- Suffering from real or supposed liver disorder, especially excessive secretions of bile.
Where does bilious come from?
From French bilieux, from Latin bīliōsus (“full of bile”), from bīlis (“bile”) + -ōsus (“full of”).
Questions about saying bilious
How do you pronounce bilious?
Say BIL-yus. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɪljəs/. In British English it is /ˈbɪliəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bilious?
Bilious has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BIL). Broken into parts: BIL · yus.
Is bilious pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 2 syllables and British English 3. The British form is /ˈbɪliəs/ (BIL-ee-us).