How to pronounce piracy
Say it like PY-ruh-see. Piracy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce piracy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PY
- ruh
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Piracy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of piracy
American and British speakers say piracy in essentially the same way: /ˈpaɪrəsi/ in the US and /ˈpaɪrəsi/ in the UK.
British respelling: PY-ruh-see.
What does piracy mean?
- hijacking on the high seas or in similar contexts; taking a ship or plane away from the control of those who are legally entitled to it“air piracy”
- the act of plagiarizing; taking someone's words or ideas as if they were your own
Where does piracy come from?
The sense of “unauthorized duplication” developed in England between 1660 and 1710.
Questions about saying piracy
How do you pronounce piracy?
Say PY-ruh-see. The American pronunciation is /ˈpaɪrəsi/. In British English it is /ˈpaɪrəsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in piracy?
Piracy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PY). Broken into parts: PY · ruh · see.
Do Americans and Brits say piracy the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpaɪrəsi/ and the British form is /ˈpaɪrəsi/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.