How to pronounce lichen
Say it like LY-kun. Lichen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lichen. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LY
- kun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lichen pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of lichen
American and British speakers say lichen in essentially the same way: /ˈlaɪkən/ in the US and /ˈlaɪkən/ in the UK.
British respelling: LY-kun.
What does lichen mean?
- Any of many symbiotic organisms, being associations of algae and fungi, often found as white or yellow-to-blue–green patches on rocks, old walls, etc.
- Something which gradually spreads across something else, causing damage.
- To cover with lichen.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with lichen
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lichen.
Words that sound like lichen
Questions about saying lichen
How do you pronounce lichen?
Say LY-kun. The American pronunciation is /ˈlaɪkən/. In British English it is /ˈlaɪkən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lichen?
Lichen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LY). Broken into parts: LY · kun.
Do Americans and Brits say lichen the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈlaɪkən/ and the British form is /ˈlaɪkən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as lichen?
Lichen sounds the same as liken in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.