How to Pronounce “defibrillator”

American (US)

/diːˈfɪbrɪleɪtər/

British (UK)

/diːˈfɪbrɪleɪtə/

noun — An electronic device used internally or externally that delivers a controlled electric shock to a patient to correct ventricular fibrillation, a lack of coordination of the contraction of muscle tissue of the large chambers of the heart.

Where the stress falls. “defibrillator” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /diːˈfɪbrɪleɪtər/ 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. /diːˈfɪbrɪleɪtər/ 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 "defibrillator" mean?

defibrillator (noun): An electronic device used internally or externally that delivers a controlled electric shock to a patient to correct ventricular fibrillation, a lack of coordination of the contraction of muscle tissue of the large chambers of the heart.

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

American English: /diːˈfɪbrɪleɪtər/. British English: /diːˈfɪbrɪleɪtə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "defibrillator"?

/diːˈfɪbrɪleɪtər/ in American English, /diːˈfɪbrɪleɪtə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "defibrillator"?

“defibrillator” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /diːˈfɪbrɪleɪtər/ 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.