How to pronounce memory
Say it like MEM-uh-ree. Memory has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEM).
- MEM
- uh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Memory pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of memory
American and British speakers say memory in essentially the same way: /ˈmɛməri/ in the US and /ˈmɛməri/ in the UK.
British respelling: MEM-uh-ree.
What does memory mean?
- The ability of the brain to record information or impressions with the facility of recalling them later, usually at will.“Memory is a facility common to all animals.”
- A record of a thing or an event stored and available for later use by an organism.“I have no memory of that event.”
- The part of a computer that stores variable executable code or data (RAM) or unalterable executable code or default data (ROM).“This data passes from the CPU to the memory.”
Where does memory come from?
From Anglo-Norman memorie, Old French memoire etc., from Latin memoria (“the faculty of remembering, remembrance, memory, a historical account”), from memor (“mindful, remembering”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)mer- (to remember), related
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- recall
- retention
- recollection
- core
- pelmanism
- rememoration
- reminiscence
- remembering
Words that rhyme with memory
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of memory.
Questions about saying memory
How do you pronounce memory?
Say MEM-uh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɛməri/. In British English it is /ˈmɛməri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in memory?
Memory has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEM). Broken into parts: MEM · uh · ree.
Do Americans and Brits say memory the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmɛməri/ and the British form is /ˈmɛməri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.