How to pronounce burglary
Say it like BUR-gluh-ree. Burglary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce burglary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BUR
- gluh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Burglary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- gluhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of burglary
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BUR-gluh-ree.
What does burglary mean?
- The crime of unlawfully breaking into a vehicle, house, store, or other enclosure with the intent to steal.
- Under the common law, breaking and entering of the dwelling of another at night with the intent to commit a felony.
- Under the Model Penal Code, entering a building or occupied structure with purpose to commit a crime therein, unless the premises are at the time open to the public or the actor is licensed or privileged to enter.
Where does burglary come from?
From New Latin burglaria.
Questions about saying burglary
How do you pronounce burglary?
Say BUR-gluh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɝɡləri/. In British English it is /ˈbɜːɡləri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in burglary?
Burglary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUR). Broken into parts: BUR · gluh · ree.
Is burglary pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈbɜːɡləri/ (BUR-gluh-ree).