How to Pronounce “taxonomy”

American (US)

/tækˈsɑnəmi/

British (UK)

/tækˈsɒnəmi/

Australian (AU)

/tækˈsɔnəmi/

noun — A scheme of classification, especially of living organisms.

Example: The taxonomy has been revised twice since publication.

Where the stress falls. “taxonomy” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /tækˈsɑnəmi/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /tækˈsɑnəmi/ 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 "taxonomy" mean?

taxonomy (noun): A scheme of classification, especially of living organisms. For example — The taxonomy has been revised twice since publication.

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

American English: /tækˈsɑnəmi/. British English: /tækˈsɒnəmi/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "taxonomy"?

/tækˈsɑnəmi/ in American English, /tækˈsɒnəmi/ in British English, /tækˈsɔnəmi/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "taxonomy"?

“taxonomy” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /tækˈsɑnəmi/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.