How to Pronounce “sertraline”

American (US)

/ˈsɜɹ.tɹəˌlin/

British (UK)

/ˈsɜː.tɹəˌliːn/

noun — An antidepressant drug C17H17NCl2 administered in the form of its hydrochloride and acting to enhance serotonin activity.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈsɜɹ.tɹəˌlin/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “sertraline” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “sertraline” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsɜɹ.tɹəˌlin/ 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. /ˈsɜɹ.tɹəˌlin/ 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 "sertraline" mean?

sertraline (noun): An antidepressant drug C17H17NCl2 administered in the form of its hydrochloride and acting to enhance serotonin activity.

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

American English: /ˈsɜɹ.tɹəˌlin/. British English: /ˈsɜː.tɹəˌliːn/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "sertraline"?

/ˈsɜɹ.tɹəˌlin/ in American English, /ˈsɜː.tɹəˌliːn/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "sertraline"?

“sertraline” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsɜɹ.tɹəˌlin/ 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.