How to pronounce slavery
Say it like SLAY-vuh-ree. Slavery has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SLAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce slavery. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SLAY
- vuh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Slavery pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SLAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- vuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of slavery
American and British speakers say slavery in essentially the same way: /ˈsleɪvəri/ in the US and /ˈsleɪvəri/ in the UK.
British respelling: SLAY-vuh-ree.
What does slavery mean?
- the state of being under the control of another person
- the practice of owning slaves
- work done under harsh conditions for little or no pay
Where does slavery come from?
From slave + -ery.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with slavery
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of slavery.
Questions about saying slavery
How do you pronounce slavery?
Say SLAY-vuh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˈsleɪvəri/. In British English it is /ˈsleɪvəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in slavery?
Slavery has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SLAY). Broken into parts: SLAY · vuh · ree.
Do Americans and Brits say slavery the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsleɪvəri/ and the British form is /ˈsleɪvəri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.