How to pronounce pillory
Say it like PIL-uh-ree. Pillory has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pillory. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PIL
- uh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pillory pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PILSay 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.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of pillory
American and British speakers say pillory in essentially the same way: /ˈpɪləri/ in the US and /ˈpɪləri/ in the UK.
British respelling: PIL-uh-ree.
What does pillory mean?
- To put in a pillory.
- To subject to humiliation, scorn, ridicule or abuse.
- To criticize harshly.
Where does pillory come from?
From Middle English pilory, pillorie, from Old French pilori, pellori, which is either from Old Occitan espilori or Latin pīla (“pillar”).
Words that rhyme with pillory
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of pillory.
Questions about saying pillory
How do you pronounce pillory?
Say PIL-uh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɪləri/. In British English it is /ˈpɪləri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pillory?
Pillory has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIL). Broken into parts: PIL · uh · ree.
Do Americans and Brits say pillory the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpɪləri/ and the British form is /ˈpɪləri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.