How to pronounce diary
Say it like DY-uh-ree. Diary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce diary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DY
- uh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Diary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DYSay 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.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of diary
American and British speakers say diary in essentially the same way: /ˈdaɪəri/ in the US and /ˈdaɪəri/ in the UK.
British respelling: DY-uh-ree.
What does diary mean?
- a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations
- a personal journal (as a physical object)
Where does diary come from?
From Latin diārium (“a daily allowance for soldiers, in Late Latin also ‘diary’”), neuter of *diārius, from diēs (“a day”) (whence also journal).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with diary
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of diary.
Questions about saying diary
How do you pronounce diary?
Say DY-uh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˈdaɪəri/. In British English it is /ˈdaɪəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in diary?
Diary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DY). Broken into parts: DY · uh · ree.
Do Americans and Brits say diary the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdaɪəri/ and the British form is /ˈdaɪəri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.