How to pronounce copyright
Say it like KOP-ee-ryte. Copyright has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce copyright. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOP
- ee
- ryte
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Copyright pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ryteGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of copyright
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KOP-ee-ryte.
What does copyright mean?
- a document granting exclusive right to publish and sell literary or musical or artistic work
- secure a copyright on a written work“did you copyright your manuscript?”
Where does copyright come from?
From copy + right.
Questions about saying copyright
How do you pronounce copyright?
Say KOP-ee-ryte. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑpiˌraɪt/. In British English it is /ˈkɒpiːˌraɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in copyright?
Copyright has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOP). Broken into parts: KOP · ee · ryte.
Is copyright pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈkɒpiːˌraɪt/ (KOP-ee-ryte).