How to pronounce cycle
Say it like SY-kul. Cycle has two 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 cycle. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SY
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cycle 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.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of cycle
American and British speakers say cycle in essentially the same way: /ˈsaɪkəl/ in the US and /ˈsaɪkəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: SY-kul.
What does cycle mean?
- an interval during which a recurring sequence of events occurs“the never-ending cycle of the seasons”
- a series of poems or songs on the same theme“Schubert's song cycles”
- a periodically repeated sequence of events“a cycle of reprisal and retaliation”
- cause to go through a recurring sequence“cycle the laundry in this washing program”
- pass through a cycle“This machine automatically cycles”
- ride a motorcycle
Where does cycle come from?
Doublet of chakra, chakram, charkha, chukker, cyclus, kike, and wheel (see there for more).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying cycle
How do you pronounce cycle?
Say SY-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˈsaɪkəl/. In British English it is /ˈsaɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cycle?
Cycle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SY). Broken into parts: SY · kul.
Do Americans and Brits say cycle the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsaɪkəl/ and the British form is /ˈsaɪkəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.