How to pronounce empire
Say it like EM-py-er. Empire has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce empire. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EM
- py
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Empire pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- EMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- pyKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of empire
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: EM-py-uh.
What does empire mean?
- the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised
- a group of countries under a single authority“the British created a great empire”
- a monarchy with an emperor as head of state
Where does empire come from?
From Middle English empire, from Old French empire, empere, from Latin imperium, inperium (“command, control, dominion, sovereignty, a dominion, empire”), from imperare, inperare (“to command, order”), from in (“in, on”) + parare (“to make ready, order”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying empire
How do you pronounce empire?
Say EM-py-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛmpaɪɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɛmpaɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in empire?
Empire has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EM). Broken into parts: EM · py · er.
Is empire 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 /ˈɛmpaɪə/ (EM-py-uh).