How to pronounce clergy
Say it like KLUR-jee. Clergy has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLUR).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce clergy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈklɝdʒi/KLUR-jee
UK British/ˈklɜːdʒi/KLUR-jee
- KLUR
- jee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Clergy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KLURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- jeeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of clergy
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KLUR-jee.
What does clergy mean?
noun
- in Christianity, clergymen collectively (as distinguished from the laity)
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying clergy
How do you pronounce clergy?
Say KLUR-jee. The American pronunciation is /ˈklɝdʒi/. In British English it is /ˈklɜːdʒi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in clergy?
Clergy has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLUR). Broken into parts: KLUR · jee.
Is clergy 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 /ˈklɜːdʒi/ (KLUR-jee).