How to Pronounce “halcyon”

American (US)

/ˈhælʃən/

British (UK)

/ˈhælsi.ən/

noun — A kingfisher whose nesting by the sea was said, in classical mythology, to cause the Gods to restrain the wind and waves.

Where the stress falls. “halcyon” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈhælʃən/ 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. /ˈhælʃən/ 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 "halcyon" mean?

halcyon (noun): A kingfisher whose nesting by the sea was said, in classical mythology, to cause the Gods to restrain the wind and waves.

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

American English: /ˈhælʃən/. British English: /ˈhælsi.ən/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "halcyon"?

/ˈhælʃən/ in American English, /ˈhælsi.ən/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "halcyon"?

“halcyon” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈhælʃən/ 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.