How to pronounce cyanide
Say it like SY-uh-nyde. Cyanide has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cyanide. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SY
- uh
- nyde
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cyanide pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nydeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of cyanide
American and British speakers say cyanide in essentially the same way: /ˈsaɪəˌnaɪd/ in the US and /ˈsaɪəˌnaɪd/ in the UK.
British respelling: SY-uh-nyde.
What does cyanide mean?
- Any compound containing the -C≡N group or the CN⁻ anion.
- Sodium or potassium cyanide, used in the extraction of gold and silver or as a poison.
- Hydrogen cyanide, or cyanide gas, a poisonous gas.
- To treat or poison with cyanide.
Where does cyanide come from?
From cyan- + -ide.
Questions about saying cyanide
How do you pronounce cyanide?
Say SY-uh-nyde. The American pronunciation is /ˈsaɪəˌnaɪd/. In British English it is /ˈsaɪəˌnaɪd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cyanide?
Cyanide has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SY). Broken into parts: SY · uh · nyde.
Do Americans and Brits say cyanide the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsaɪəˌnaɪd/ and the British form is /ˈsaɪəˌnaɪd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.