How to Pronounce “expand”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ɪkˈspænd/
- British (UK)
- /ɪkˈspænd/
What “expand” means
verb — To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open.
Example: You can expand this compact umbrella to cover a large table.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “expand” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ɪkˈspænd/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "expand" mean?
expand (verb): To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open. For example — You can expand this compact umbrella to cover a large table.
How do you pronounce "expand" in American vs British English?
Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "expand", /ɪkˈspænd/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.
What is the IPA transcription of "expand"?
/ɪkˈspænd/ in American English, /ɪkˈspænd/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "expand"?
“expand” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ɪkˈspænd/ 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.
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