2 syllables: Col, lie. Stress on Col.
KAH-lee
/ˈkɑli/
Collie is pronounced KAH-lee (/ˈkɑli/). It has two syllables (Col-lie), with the stress on "Col". Collie (noun) refers to a dog breed known for its herding ability, intelligence, and long, flowing coat. In common usage, it denotes any dog of the Collie family, especially the Rough Collie. The term can also appear in historical contexts describing Scottish and border regions where the breed originated.
nounCollie (noun) refers to a dog breed known for its herding ability, intelligence, and long, flowing coat. In common usage, it denotes any dog of the Collie family, especially the Rough Collie. The term can also appear in historical contexts describing Scottish and border regions where the breed originated.
"She adopted a friendly collie that she saw at the rescue, and he quickly became part of the family."
"The farmer watched the collie herd the sheep with calm precision."
"In the park, a collie trotted by, its mane-like fur catching the sunlight."
Pronounce it as two syllables: /ˈkɒl.i/ in US/UK English and /ˈkɒl.i/ in Australian English. The first syllable bears primary stress. Start with an open back rounded vowel /ɒ/ like “lot,” then move to a light, unstressed /i/ as in “see.” Keep the lip rounding minimal and avoid adding an /ɹ/ or extra vowel. If you’re hearing a slightly longer /oʊ/ sound in some American speech, you’re hearing a regional variation; standard form remains /ˈkɒl.i/.
Common errors: (1) Pronouncing it as /ˈkɔː.li/ with a drawn-out /ɔː/ in the first syllable; correct is /ˈkɒl.i/, the short /ɒ/ as in ‘cot.’ (2) Slurring the second syllable into /liː/ or /lɪ/; keep it a short, unstressed /l-i/ sequence. (3) Adding an unnecessary /ɹ/ or extra consonant at the end in non-rhotic accents; end with a crisp, short /i/. Practice by isolating the two syllables, then blend with rapid transitions.
In US/UK, /ˈkɒl.i/ with short /ɒ/ and a clear /l/ followed by a brief /i/. Australian English resembles UK vowels but may show a slightly more centralized /ɒ/ and a softer /i/. In rhotic accents like some US dialects, you’ll hear minimal r-coloring; non-rhotic varieties may reduce any linking /ɹ/ sound. Overall, main variation is vowel quality in the first syllable and the degree of vowel length; keep the second syllable short and unstressed in all.
The difficulty lies in the short, exact /ɒ/ vowel in the first syllable and the quick, unstressed /li/ at the end. Many learners overlengthen the first vowel or flatten the second syllable into a single glide. Also, subtle regional variants may introduce a faint /ɔ/ or a longer /iː/. Focusing on crisp separation between /ɒ/ and /li/ with proper lip posture helps stabilize pronunciation.
Unique nuance involves ensuring the first syllable retains a clipped, rounded back vowel /ɒ/ without turning into an /ɔː/ or /ɑ/. The combination /ˈkɒl.i/ should feel like ‘KOL’ plus a quick ‘ee’ with a light, nearly touch-intonation between syllables. You’ll often hear native speakers cue the second syllable with a short exhale; keep it brisk and avoid drawing it out.
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Collie derives from Scotland, with early references tied to border regions where the type of herding dogs were used. The term is likely related to historical names for working dogs in the Scottish Lowlands and Northern England, evolving through centuries as shepherding breeds specialized for cattle and sheep. The name appears in 18th- and 19th-century texts, often describing dogs from Scottish counties such as Lanarkshire and Ayrshire. Over time, “Collie” broadened to denote the broader family associated with long-coated herding dogs, including the Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and other landrace varieties. The modern, standardized concept of the Rough Collie gained prominence in 19th- and early 20th-century breed registries and popular culture, notably through show history and famous exemplars. The word itself became a general label for the breed, rather than a strict lineage name, reinforcing its generic usage in everyday speech and literature. First known use in English appears in dog-related descriptions from the 1800s, with the term cementing its current meaning as a herding dog with a distinctive long coat and intelligent, trainable temperament.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Collie" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Collie" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Collie"
-lie sounds
-lly sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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