How to pronounce Byzantine

Q: How do you pronounce Byzantine?

Say BIZ-un-tyne. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɪzənˌtaɪn/. In British English it is /bɪˈzæntaɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.

Say it like BIZ-un-tyne. Byzantine has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BIZ).

VoiceSpeed

Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Byzantine. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.

US American/ˈbɪzənˌtaɪn/BIZ-un-tyne

UK British/bɪˈzæntaɪn/bih-ZAN-tyne

BIZ
un
tyne

Main stress
Lighter stress
Unstressed

Byzantine pronunciation, sound by sound

Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.

BIZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
tyneGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.

American vs British pronunciation of Byzantine

The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 2.

British respelling: bih-ZAN-tyne.

What does Byzantine mean?

adjective

Of or pertaining to Byzantium.
Belonging to the civilization of the Eastern Roman Empire between 331, when its capital was moved to Constantinople, and 1453, when that capital was conquered by the Turks and ultimately renamed Istanbul.
Of a style of architecture prevalent in the Eastern Empire down to 1453, marked by the round arch springing from columns or piers, the dome supported upon pendentives, capitals elaborately sculptured, mosaic or other encrustations, etc.

noun

Alternative form of byzantine (coin)
A dark, metallic shade of violet.

Questions about saying Byzantine

How do you pronounce Byzantine?

Say BIZ-un-tyne. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɪzənˌtaɪn/. In British English it is /bɪˈzæntaɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.

How many syllables are in Byzantine?

Byzantine has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BIZ). Broken into parts: BIZ · un · tyne.

Is Byzantine pronounced differently in British English?

Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 2. The British form is /bɪˈzæntaɪn/ (bih-ZAN-tyne).