How to pronounce defibrillator
Say it like dee-FIB-rih-lay-ter. Defibrillator has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FIB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce defibrillator. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dee
- FIB
- rih
- lay
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Defibrillator pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- deeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- FIBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- layGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of defibrillator
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: dee-FIB-rih-lay-tuh.
What does defibrillator mean?
- An electronic device used internally or externally that delivers a controlled electric shock to a patient to correct ventricular fibrillation, a lack of coordination of the contraction of muscle tissue of the large chambers of the heart.
Where does defibrillator come from?
From defibrillate + -or.
Questions about saying defibrillator
How do you pronounce defibrillator?
Say dee-FIB-rih-lay-ter. The American pronunciation is /diˈfɪbrɪˌleɪtɚ/. In British English it is /diːˈfɪbrɪˌleɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in defibrillator?
Defibrillator has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FIB). Broken into parts: dee · FIB · rih · lay · ter.
Is defibrillator 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 /diːˈfɪbrɪˌleɪtə/ (dee-FIB-rih-lay-tuh).