How to pronounce ceilidh
Say it like KAY-lee. Ceilidh has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ceilidh. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAY
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ceilidh pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of ceilidh
American and British speakers say ceilidh in essentially the same way: /ˈkeɪli/ in the US and /ˈkeɪli/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAY-lee.
What does ceilidh mean?
- An informal social gathering, especially one where traditional Irish or Scottish folk music is played, with dancing and storytelling.
- To attend a ceilidh (noun sense 1).
- To dance a ceilidh dance.
Where does ceilidh come from?
The verb is derived from the noun.
Words that rhyme with ceilidh
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ceilidh.
Questions about saying ceilidh
How do you pronounce ceilidh?
Say KAY-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈkeɪli/. In British English it is /ˈkeɪli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ceilidh?
Ceilidh has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAY). Broken into parts: KAY · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say ceilidh the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkeɪli/ and the British form is /ˈkeɪli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.