How to Pronounce “signature”

American (US)

/ˈsɪɡ.nə.t͡ʃɚ/

British (UK)

/ˈsɪɡ.nə.t͡ʃə/

Australian (AU)

/ˈsɪɡ.nɪ.t͡ʃə/

noun — A person's name, written by that person, used as identification or to signify approval of accompanying material, such as a legal contract.

Where the stress falls. “signature” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsɪɡ.nə.t͡ʃɚ/ 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. /ˈsɪɡ.nə.t͡ʃɚ/ 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 "signature" mean?

signature (noun): A person's name, written by that person, used as identification or to signify approval of accompanying material, such as a legal contract.

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

American English: /ˈsɪɡ.nə.t͡ʃɚ/. British English: /ˈsɪɡ.nə.t͡ʃə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "signature"?

/ˈsɪɡ.nə.t͡ʃɚ/ in American English, /ˈsɪɡ.nə.t͡ʃə/ in British English, /ˈsɪɡ.nɪ.t͡ʃə/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "signature"?

“signature” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsɪɡ.nə.t͡ʃɚ/ 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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