How do you pronounce "penalty"?

In American English: /ˈpɛnəlti/ (PEHN-uhlt-ee). In British English: /pˈɛnəlti/ (P-ehn-uhlt). In Canadian English: /ˈpɛnəlti/ (PEHN-uhlt-ee). In Australian English: /pˈɛnəlti/ (P-ehn-uhlt).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈpɛnəlti/ (PEHN-uhlt-ee), while in British English it's /pˈɛnəlti/ (P-ehn-uhlt).

How to Pronounce "penalty"

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penalty

/ˈpɛnəlti/

PEHN-uhlt-ee

Syllable Breakdown

pɛnpe·əltnal·ity

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14