How to Pronounce “compiler”

American (US)

/kəmˈpaɪlɚ/

British (UK)

/kəmˈpaɪlə/

noun — A program that translates source code into machine code or another language.

Example: The compiler caught the type error before it shipped.

Where the stress falls. “compiler” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /kəmˈpaɪlɚ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /kəmˈpaɪlɚ/ 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 "compiler" mean?

compiler (noun): A program that translates source code into machine code or another language. For example — The compiler caught the type error before it shipped.

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

American English: /kəmˈpaɪlɚ/. British English: /kəmˈpaɪlə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "compiler"?

/kəmˈpaɪlɚ/ in American English, /kəmˈpaɪlə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "compiler"?

“compiler” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /kəmˈpaɪlɚ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.