How to pronounce holly
Say it like HOL-ee. Holly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HOL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce holly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HOL
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Holly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HOLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of holly
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: HOL-ee.
What does holly mean?
- any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex having red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges
- United States rock star (1936-1959)
Words that rhyme with holly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of holly.
Questions about saying holly
How do you pronounce holly?
Say HOL-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɑli/. In British English it is /ˈhɒli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in holly?
Holly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HOL). Broken into parts: HOL · ee.
Is holly pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈhɒli/ (HOL-ee).