How do you pronounce "bacteria"?

In American English: /bækˈtɪriːə/ (bak-TIR-ee-uh). In British English: /bæktˈɪəɹɪə/ (bakt-I-uhr-i-uh). In Canadian English: /bækˈtɪriːə/ (bak-TIR-ee-uh). In Australian English: /baktˈiəɹiə/ (BAKT-ee-uhr-ee).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /bækˈtɪriːə/ (bak-TIR-ee-uh), while in British English it's /bæktˈɪəɹɪə/ (bakt-I-uhr-i-uh).

How to Pronounce "bacteria"

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bacteria

regional

/bækˈtɪriːə/

bak-TIR-ee-uh

Syllable Breakdown

bækb·tɪrac·iːte·əria

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14