How to pronounce monkey
Say it like MUHNG-kee. Monkey has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUHNG).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce monkey. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MUHNG
- kee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Monkey pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MUHNGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- keeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of monkey
American and British speakers say monkey in essentially the same way: /ˈmʌŋki/ in the US and /ˈmʌŋki/ in the UK.
British respelling: MUHNG-kee.
What does monkey mean?
- any of various long-tailed primates (excluding the prosimians)
- one who is playfully mischievous
- play around with or alter or falsify, usually secretively or dishonestly“Someone tampered with the documents on my desk”“The reporter fiddle with the facts”
- do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly“The old lady is usually mucking about in her little house”
Words that rhyme with monkey
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of monkey.
Questions about saying monkey
How do you pronounce monkey?
Say MUHNG-kee. The American pronunciation is /ˈmʌŋki/. In British English it is /ˈmʌŋki/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in monkey?
Monkey has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUHNG). Broken into parts: MUHNG · kee.
Do Americans and Brits say monkey the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmʌŋki/ and the British form is /ˈmʌŋki/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.