How to pronounce licorice
Say it like LIK-uh-rish. Licorice has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce licorice. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LIK
- uh
- rish
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Licorice pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LIKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rishKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of licorice
American and British speakers say licorice in essentially the same way: /ˈlɪkərɪʃ/ in the US and /ˈlɪkərɪʃ/ in the UK.
British respelling: LIK-uh-rish.
What does licorice mean?
- A plant of species Glycyrrhiza glabra, or sometimes in North America, the related American licorice plant Glycyrrhiza lepidota.
- A type of candy made from that plant's dried root or its extract.
- A black color, named after the licorice.
Questions about saying licorice
How do you pronounce licorice?
Say LIK-uh-rish. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɪkərɪʃ/. In British English it is /ˈlɪkərɪʃ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in licorice?
Licorice has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIK). Broken into parts: LIK · uh · rish.
Do Americans and Brits say licorice the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈlɪkərɪʃ/ and the British form is /ˈlɪkərɪʃ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.