How do you pronounce "athletes"?

In American English: /ˈæθˌliːts/ (ATH-leets). In British English: /ˈæθlˌiːts/ (ATHL-eets). In Canadian English: /ˈæθˌliːts/ (ATH-leets). In Australian English: /ˈaθliːts/ (ATHL).

Is "athletes" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈæθˌliːts/ (ATH-leets), while in British English it's /ˈæθlˌiːts/ (ATHL-eets).

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athletes

/ˈæθˌliːts/

ATH-leets

Syllable Breakdown

æθath·liːtsletes

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-12