How to pronounce fence
Say it like FENS. Fence is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce fence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FENS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Fence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FENSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of fence
American and British speakers say fence in essentially the same way: /fɛns/ in the US and /fɛns/ in the UK.
British respelling: FENS.
What does fence mean?
- a barrier that serves to enclose an area
- a dealer in stolen property
- enclose with a fence“we fenced in our yard”
- receive stolen goods
- fight with fencing swords
Where does fence come from?
Displaced native Old English heġe (compare Modern English hedge).
Words that rhyme with fence
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of fence.
Questions about saying fence
How do you pronounce fence?
Say FENS. The American pronunciation is /fɛns/. In British English it is /fɛns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in fence?
Fence is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: FENS.
Do Americans and Brits say fence the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /fɛns/ and the British form is /fɛns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.