How to Pronounce “parliament”

American (US)

/ˈpɑɹləmənt/

British (UK)

/ˈpɑːləmənt/

Australian (AU)

/ˈpɐːləmənt/

noun — A formal council summoned (especially by a monarch) to discuss important issues.

Where the stress falls. “parliament” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈpɑɹləmənt/ 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. /ˈpɑɹləmənt/ 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 "parliament" mean?

parliament (noun): A formal council summoned (especially by a monarch) to discuss important issues.

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

American English: /ˈpɑɹləmənt/. British English: /ˈpɑːləmənt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "parliament"?

/ˈpɑɹləmənt/ in American English, /ˈpɑːləmənt/ in British English, /ˈpɐːləmənt/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "parliament"?

“parliament” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈpɑɹləmənt/ 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.