Learn How to Pronounce icon

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Try:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

icon

Definition:

(nou) a graphic symbol (usually a simple picture) that denotes a program or a command or a data file or a concept in a graphical user interface (nou) a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface (nou) a conventional religious painting in oil on a small wooden panel; venerated in the Eastern Church

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈaɪkɒn

Examples:

The flag icon also seemd to cramp the image a little.

Click on the icon to activate the feature.

The Church is an icon of the heavenly Jerusalem.

Learn more about:

icon

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: icon

Learn Individual Sounds

Break icon down into individual sounds such as ˈaɪkɒn. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say icon in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

Record Yourself

Say icon in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with icon.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of icon pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "i-ˈcon" instead of the correct "ˈai-kɒn" (UK) or "ˈai-kɑn" (US). Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable.
  2. Vowel confusion: Some pronounce "icon" with a short "i" as in "bit," saying "ˈɪ-con." The correct pronunciation starts with a long "i" sound as in "my." Tip: Practice saying "eye" before "icon."
  3. Overemphasizing the "c": A common mistake is to pronounce the "c" too strongly, leading to "i-ˈkɔn." The "c" should be softer, blending into the vowel sound. Tip: Focus on the smooth transition between sounds.
  4. Ignoring the ending: Some learners drop the ending sound, saying "ˈai-kə" instead of "ˈai-kɒn" (UK) or "ˈai-kɑn" (US). This can change the meaning. Tip: Always pronounce the final "n" clearly.
  5. Using a diphthong: A few speakers use a diphthong for the "o," resulting in "ai-ˈkawn." The correct pronunciation has a more straightforward vowel sound. Tip: Practice saying "on" to get the right vowel sound in "icon."

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "icon" in American English?

In American English, "icon" is pronounced as /ˈaɪ.kɒn/. The stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "eye," followed by a short "con."

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "icon" between British and American English?

Yes, in British English, "icon" is pronounced as /ˈaɪ.kən/, where the second syllable has a schwa sound, making it sound like "uh." In American English, the second syllable is more pronounced as "con."

How many syllables are in the word "icon"?

The word "icon" has two syllables: "i" and "con." This is reflected in its IPA notation, /ˈaɪ.kɒn/ for American English and /ˈaɪ.kən/ for British English.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "icon"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, pronouncing it as "i-con" instead of "icon." Remember, the correct pronunciation emphasizes the first syllable, /ˈaɪ.kɒn/ in American English.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime