phonetics

American  

[fuh-net-iks, foh-] / fəˈnɛt ɪks, foʊ- /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the science or study of speech sounds and their production, transmission, and reception, and their analysis, classification, and transcription.

2. the phonetic system or the body of phonetic facts of a particular language.

3. the symbols used to represent the speech sounds of a language.

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phonetics British  

/ fəˈnɛtɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the science concerned with the study of speech processes, including the production, perception, and analysis of speech sounds from both an acoustic and a physiological point of view. This science, though capable of being applied to language studies, technically excludes linguistic considerations Compare phonology

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Etymology

Origin of phonetics

First recorded in 1835–45; phonetic, -ics

Compare meaning

How does phonetics compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• phonics vs. phonetics

Explanation

If you're fascinated with the sounds that make up various parts of human speech, you might want to study phonetics, which focuses on these sounds. Phonetics is a field of study that examines the sounds in speech — the way they're made, how they're heard, and how they make up speech and language. It's one branch of linguistics, along with grammar, syntax, and other subjects. The word phonetics has been used in English since the 1800s, and it comes from the Greek phonetikos, "vocal," which in turn has the root word phone, "voice or sound."

Example Sentences

She's not alone, as many north Walians may have their Welshness questioned because their accent doesn't match the narrow stereotypes portrayed on television, according to phonetics expert Dr Sarah Cooper.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

The album first sprang to mind six years ago, when the title began as a simple game of phonetics.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2025

Sanchez was inspired to create MeowTalk after learning of Susanne Schötz—an associate professor of phonetics, studying cat-human communication at Sweden’s Lund University—and her book The Secret Language of Cats.

From Slate • Nov. 13, 2023

He said he used his own version of phonetics to create songs so quickly that he could write up to nine in a day.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 27, 2023

“Madame,” Princesse said, calling upon her phonetics lessons in order to sound less native and more French.

From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat

Related Words

• accent
• diction
• utterance