How Many Syllables in Dictionary?
Dictionary has 4 syllables: dic-tion-ar-y.
Use this quick reference guide to learn how many syllables are in dictionary, how to divide the word into syllables, and how to pronounce it correctly.
in Dictionary
How to Pronounce Dictionary
Tap play to hear how to pronounce dictionary in a US or British accent.
Voice playback isn’t supported in this browser. The IPA above (/ˈdɪk-ʃə-nɛr-i/) shows the exact pronunciation.
Why Dictionary Breaks This Way
Here’s how to divide dictionary into syllables: dic-tion-ar-y. Say it slowly and each part holds its own vowel sound — the short i in dic, the soft schwa in tion, the r-colored ar, and the closing y. None of these sounds blend into the next, so the syllable count stays at four in careful English speech, even though casual conversation often rushes through the middle two beats.
Dictionary (noun): a reference book, often available online, that lists words alphabetically with their meanings, pronunciations, and origins. Example sentence: “She checked the spelling in one before submitting her essay.”
Want the general method behind this, not just this one word? Read how to break any word into syllables for the full set of rules.
Common Mistake
A common mistake is rushing past the ar sound and saying it as three syllables instead of four — “DIK-shun-ree.” Slow down and say each part separately: dic-tion-ar-y, and the fourth beat becomes clear.
Not sure about a different word? Check it instantly with the free syllable counter.
Synonyms of Dictionary
A few synonyms you can use in its place, each with its own syllable count.
- lexicon (3)
- glossary (3)
- thesaurus (3)
- wordbook (2)
- vocabulary (5)
Words With a Similar Syllable Count
More four-syllable words with a matching syllable count, drawn from our syllable dictionary.
- vocabulary (5)
- glossary (3)
- thesaurus (3)
- encyclopedia (6)
- definition (4)
Words That Rhyme With Dictionary
True perfect rhymes are rare for this word, but here are the closest matches by sound.
- missionary
- visionary
- customary
Frequently Asked Questions
Dictionary has 4 syllables: dic-tion-ar-y.
Dictionary splits as dic-tion-ar-y, with the stress on the “dic” part.
Dictionary is typically used as a noun.
Here’s how to divide dictionary into syllables: dic-tion-ar-y. Say it slowly and each part holds its own vowel sound — the short i in dic, the soft schwa in tion, the r-colored ar, and the closing y. None of these sounds blend into the next, so the syllable count stays at four in careful English speech, even though casual conversation often rushes through the middle two beats.
In short: dictionary has four syllables (dic-tion-ar-y), pronounced the same way by most English speakers, with a few close synonyms and near-rhymes listed above.
Count syllables in any word instantly
Paste text or type a word into the free AIWriteKit Syllable Counter.