How to Pronounce “catalogue”

American (US)

/ˈkæt.əˌlɔɡ/

British (UK)

/ˈkæt.əˌlɒɡ/

noun — A systematic list of books, names, pictures, etc.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈkæt.əˌlɔɡ/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “catalogue” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “catalogue” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkæt.əˌlɔɡ/ 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. /ˈkæt.əˌlɔɡ/ 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 "catalogue" mean?

catalogue (noun): A systematic list of books, names, pictures, etc.

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

American English: /ˈkæt.əˌlɔɡ/. British English: /ˈkæt.əˌlɒɡ/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "catalogue"?

/ˈkæt.əˌlɔɡ/ in American English, /ˈkæt.əˌlɒɡ/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "catalogue"?

“catalogue” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkæt.əˌlɔɡ/ 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.

• Silent U words