How to Pronounce “experiment”

American (US)

/ɪkˈspɛɹ.ə.mənt/

British (UK)

/ɪkˈspɛɹ.ɪ.mənt/

Australian (AU)

/ɪkˈspeɹ.ə.mənt/

noun — A test under controlled conditions made to either demonstrate a known truth, examine the validity of a hypothesis, or determine the efficacy or likelihood of something previously untried.

Example: conduct an experiment.

Where the stress falls. “experiment” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪkˈspɛɹ.ə.mənt/ 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. /ɪkˈspɛɹ.ə.mənt/ 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 "experiment" mean?

experiment (noun): A test under controlled conditions made to either demonstrate a known truth, examine the validity of a hypothesis, or determine the efficacy or likelihood of something previously untried. For example — conduct an experiment.

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

American English: /ɪkˈspɛɹ.ə.mənt/. British English: /ɪkˈspɛɹ.ɪ.mənt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "experiment"?

/ɪkˈspɛɹ.ə.mənt/ in American English, /ɪkˈspɛɹ.ɪ.mənt/ in British English, /ɪkˈspeɹ.ə.mənt/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "experiment"?

“experiment” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪkˈspɛɹ.ə.mənt/ 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.