How to pronounce policy
Say it like POL-uh-see. Policy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POL).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce policy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈpɑləsi/POL-uh-see
UK British/ˈpɒlɪsi/POL-ih-see
- POL
- uh
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Policy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- POLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep 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 policy
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: POL-ih-see.
What does policy mean?
noun
- a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group“it was a policy of retribution”“a politician keeps changing his policies”
- a line of argument rationalizing the course of action of a government“they debated the policy or impolicy of the proposed legislation”
- written contract or certificate of insurance“you should have read the small print on your policy”
Questions about saying policy
How do you pronounce policy?
Say POL-uh-see. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɑləsi/. In British English it is /ˈpɒlɪsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in policy?
Policy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POL). Broken into parts: POL · uh · see.
Is policy pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈpɒlɪsi/ (POL-ih-see).