How to Pronounce “epoch”

American (US)

/ˈɛp.ək/

British (UK)

/ˈiːpɒk/

noun — A particular period of history, or of a person's life, especially one considered noteworthy or remarkable.

Where the stress falls. “epoch” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɛp.ək/ 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. /ˈɛp.ək/ 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 "epoch" mean?

epoch (noun): A particular period of history, or of a person's life, especially one considered noteworthy or remarkable.

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

American English: /ˈɛp.ək/. British English: /ˈiːpɒk/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "epoch"?

/ˈɛp.ək/ in American English, /ˈiːpɒk/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "epoch"?

“epoch” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɛp.ək/ 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.