How to pronounce section
Say it like SEK-shun. Section has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce section. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Section pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of section
American and British speakers say section in essentially the same way: /ˈsɛkʃən/ in the US and /ˈsɛkʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: SEK-shun.
What does section mean?
- a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical)“he always turns first to the business section”“the history of this work is discussed in the next section”
- a very thin slice (of tissue or mineral or other substance) for examination under a microscope“sections from the left ventricle showed diseased tissue”
- a distinct region or subdivision of a territorial or political area or community or group of people“no section of the nation is more ardent than the South”“there are three synagogues in the Jewish section”
- divide into segments“segment an orange”“segment a compound word”
Where does section come from?
From Middle English seccioun, from Old French section, from Latin sectiō (“cutting, cutting off, excision, amputation of diseased parts of the body, etc.”), from sectus, past participle of secāre (“to cut”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with section
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of section.
Questions about saying section
How do you pronounce section?
Say SEK-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛkʃən/. In British English it is /ˈsɛkʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in section?
Section has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEK). Broken into parts: SEK · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say section the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɛkʃən/ and the British form is /ˈsɛkʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.