How to pronounce sally
Say it like SAL-ee. Sally has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAL).
- SAL
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sally pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of sally
American and British speakers say sally in essentially the same way: /ˈsæli/ in the US and /ˈsæli/ in the UK.
British respelling: SAL-ee.
What does sally mean?
- A willow.
- Any tree that resembles a willow.
- An object made from the wood of a willow.
- A sortie of troops from a besieged place against an enemy.
- A sudden rushing forth.“Flocks of these birds stir up flying insects, which can then be picked off in quick sallies.”
- A witty statement or quip, usually at the expense of one's interlocutor.
- To make a sudden attack (e.g. on an enemy from a defended position).“The troops sallied in desperation.”
- To set out on an excursion; venture; depart (often followed by "forth").
- To venture off the beaten path.
Where does sally come from?
From Middle English saly, from Old English saliġ, sealh (“willow”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with sally
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sally.
Words that sound like sally
- sallie
Questions about saying sally
How do you pronounce sally?
Say SAL-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈsæli/. In British English it is /ˈsæli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sally?
Sally has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAL). Broken into parts: SAL · ee.
Do Americans and Brits say sally the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsæli/ and the British form is /ˈsæli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as sally?
Sally sounds the same as sallie in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.