How to Pronounce “hierarchy”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ˈhaɪərɑːrki/
- British (UK)
- /ˈhaɪərɑːki/
What “hierarchy” means
noun — A system in which items are ranked one above another.
Example: The file system is a hierarchy of folders.
Synonyms: ranking, pecking order
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “hierarchy” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈhaɪərɑːrki/ 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. /ˈhaɪərɑːrki/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "hierarchy" mean?
hierarchy (noun): A system in which items are ranked one above another. For example — The file system is a hierarchy of folders.
How do you pronounce "hierarchy" in American vs British English?
American English: /ˈhaɪərɑːrki/. British English: /ˈhaɪərɑːki/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.
What is the IPA transcription of "hierarchy"?
/ˈhaɪərɑːrki/ in American English, /ˈhaɪərɑːki/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "hierarchy"?
“hierarchy” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈhaɪərɑːrki/ 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.
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