How to Pronounce “algorithm”

American (US)

/ˈælɡərɪðəm/

British (UK)

/ˈælɡərɪðəm/

noun — A precise sequence of steps for solving a problem or performing a computation.

Example: The sorting algorithm runs in linear time on nearly sorted input.

Synonyms: procedure, method

Where the stress falls. “algorithm” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈælɡərɪðəm/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈælɡərɪðəm/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "algorithm" mean?

algorithm (noun): A precise sequence of steps for solving a problem or performing a computation. For example — The sorting algorithm runs in linear time on nearly sorted input.

How do you pronounce "algorithm" in American vs British English?

Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "algorithm", /ˈælɡərɪðəm/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.

What is the IPA transcription of "algorithm"?

/ˈælɡərɪðəm/ in American English, /ˈælɡərɪðəm/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "algorithm"?

“algorithm” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈælɡərɪðəm/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.