How to pronounce semicolon
Say it like SEM-ee-koh-lun. Semicolon has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce semicolon. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEM
- ee
- koh
- lun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Semicolon pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- kohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- lunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of semicolon
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: sem-ee-KOH-lun.
What does semicolon mean?
- The punctuation mark ;.
Where does semicolon come from?
From semi- + colon.
Questions about saying semicolon
How do you pronounce semicolon?
Say SEM-ee-koh-lun. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛmikoʊlən/. In British English it is /ˌsɛmiˈkəʊlən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in semicolon?
Semicolon has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEM). Broken into parts: SEM · ee · koh · lun.
Is semicolon pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3. The British form is /ˌsɛmiˈkəʊlən/ (sem-ee-KOH-lun).