How to Pronounce “aneurysm”

American (US)

/ˈænjərɪzəm/

British (UK)

/ˈænjʊərɪzəm/

noun — A bulge in the wall of a weakened blood vessel.

Example: The scan revealed a small aneurysm.

Where the stress falls. “aneurysm” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈænjərɪzəm/ 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. /ˈænjərɪzəm/ 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 "aneurysm" mean?

aneurysm (noun): A bulge in the wall of a weakened blood vessel. For example — The scan revealed a small aneurysm.

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

American English: /ˈænjərɪzəm/. British English: /ˈænjʊərɪzəm/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "aneurysm"?

/ˈænjərɪzəm/ in American English, /ˈænjʊərɪzəm/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "aneurysm"?

“aneurysm” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈænjərɪzəm/ 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.