How to pronounce subpoena
Say it like suh-PEE-nuh. Subpoena has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce subpoena. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- suh
- PEE
- nuh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Subpoena pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- PEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- nuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of subpoena
American and British speakers say subpoena in essentially the same way: /səˈpinə/ in the US and /səbˈpiːnə/ in the UK.
British respelling: sub-PEE-nuh.
What does subpoena mean?
- To summon (someone) with a subpoena (noun sense 1) to appear in court, or at a deposition or some other legal proceeding, as a witness to give testimony or to produce evidence; to serve a subpoena on (someone).
- To require (a document or other evidence) to be produced before a court, or at a deposition or some other legal proceeding.
- To compel or summon (someone or something); to demand.
- A writ (“written order”) requiring someone to appear in court, or at a deposition or some other legal proceeding, as a witness to give testimony (a subpoena ad testificandum) or to produce evidence (subpoena duces tecum), in default of which the person may be punished.
- A motive or thing which can compel or demand something, or summon someone.
Where does subpoena come from?
The noun sense is derived from Late Middle English sub pena (“writ requiring defendant to appear in the Court of Chancery to answer a plaintiff’s claim or to be punished; writ requiring witness to appear in court”), from Latin sub (“under”)
Words that rhyme with subpoena
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of subpoena.
Questions about saying subpoena
How do you pronounce subpoena?
Say suh-PEE-nuh. The American pronunciation is /səˈpinə/. In British English it is /səbˈpiːnə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in subpoena?
Subpoena has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PEE). Broken into parts: suh · PEE · nuh.
Do Americans and Brits say subpoena the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /səˈpinə/ and the British form is /səbˈpiːnə/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.