How to pronounce ministry
Say it like MIN-uh-stree. Ministry has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ministry. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MIN
- uh
- stree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ministry pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MINSay 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.
- streeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of ministry
American and British speakers say ministry in essentially the same way: /ˈmɪnəstri/ in the US and /ˈmɪnɪstri/ in the UK.
British respelling: MIN-ih-stree.
What does ministry mean?
- religious ministers collectively (especially Presbyterian)
- building where the business of a government ministry is transacted
- a government department under the direction of a minister of state
Where does ministry come from?
From Middle English mynisterie, borrowed from Old French menistere, in turn borrowed itself from Latin ministerium; equivalent to minister + -y.
Questions about saying ministry
How do you pronounce ministry?
Say MIN-uh-stree. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɪnəstri/. In British English it is /ˈmɪnɪstri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ministry?
Ministry has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MIN). Broken into parts: MIN · uh · stree.
Do Americans and Brits say ministry the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmɪnəstri/ and the British form is /ˈmɪnɪstri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.