How to pronounce security
Say it like sih-KYUUR-uh-tee. Security has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KYUUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce security. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- sih
- KYUUR
- uh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Security pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- sihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- KYUURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of security
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: sih-KYOOR-rih-tee.
What does security mean?
- the state of being free from danger or injury“we support the armed services in the name of national security”
- defense against financial failure; financial independence“his pension gave him security in his old age”“insurance provided protection against loss of wages due to illness”
- freedom from anxiety or fear“the watch dog gave her a feeling of security”
Where does security come from?
From secure + -ity, from Middle English securite, from Middle French securité (modern sécurité), from Latin sēcūritās, from Latin sēcūrus (“safe, secure”), from sē- (“without”) + cūra (“care”); see cure.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with security
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of security.
Questions about saying security
How do you pronounce security?
Say sih-KYUUR-uh-tee. The American pronunciation is /sɪˈkjʊrəti/. In British English it is /sɪˈkjʊərɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in security?
Security has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KYUUR). Broken into parts: sih · KYUUR · uh · tee.
Is security pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /sɪˈkjʊərɪti/ (sih-KYOOR-rih-tee).