WIS-kee
/ˈwɪski/
whiskey is pronounced WIS-kee (/ˈwɪski/). Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash, typically aged in wooden casks to develop its aroma and flavor. The term also refers to the spirit itself, usually produced in regions like Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. The word carries both cultural associations and precise production methods that influence its pronunciation and usage in conversation.
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash, typically aged in wooden casks to develop its aroma and flavor. The term also refers to the spirit itself, usually produced in regions like Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. The word carries both cultural associations and precise production methods that influence its pronunciation and usage in conversation.
"I enjoyed a dram of whiskey after dinner."
"The whiskey barrel aged the bourbon for several years."
"She likes single-malt whiskey from Scotland."
Whiskey is pronounced with two syllables: US/UK/AU /ˈwɪs.ki/. The primary stress is on the first syllable. The first vowel is a short near-close near-back lax vowel [ɪ] as in “kit,” and the second syllable uses a clear [i] like “see.” Ensure a clean /s/ before /k/ with a brief stop and no extra vowel between the syllables. IPA: US/UK/AU: ˈwɪs.ki.
Common errors include: (1) Adding an extra vowel between syllables (e.g., ‘wiss-uh-kee’)—keep it two syllables with a crisp break. (2) Slurring the /s/ into the /k/ so you get a dull /sɪk/—hold a light release between /s/ and /k/. (3) Misplacing the stress, saying ‘WHIS-key’ with exaggerated first syllable or too even a tone—maintain strong initial stress and a quick second syllable. Practice with careful pacing and light breath control.
In General American, /ˈwɪs.ki/ with rhotic-leaning but not strongly rhotic. In UK, /ˈwɪs.kɪ/ or /ˈwɪs.ki/ with a lighter, crisper /i/; some speakers have a subtle non-rhotic quality in rapid speech. Australian similar to American but with slightly broader vowel quality in the /ɪ/ and /iː/ range depending on region. All maintain two syllables, primary stress on the first; differences are subtle in vowel quality and rhythm rather than in gross consonant structure.
Difficulties center on the two tightly spaced consonants /s/ and /k/ and the short, high-front vowel in the first syllable. Some speakers insert an extra vowel or misarticulate the /s/ making it hissier or blunter. Tension around the short /ɪ/ and the following /s/ can cause vowel shortening or a gliding sound. Focus on producing a clean s + a quick k release with the second syllable containing a pure /i/ without adding a nearby schwa.
Whiskey uses a straightforward two-syllable pattern with strong initial stress, but its first syllable has a short /ɪ/ that is not a full vowel like in “wicked.” The blend of syllables means you should avoid prolonging the /ɪ/ sound or turning the second syllable into a syllabic or extra-elongated vowel. The key is crisp, clean transitions: /ˈwɪs/ + /ki/.
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Whiskey derives from the Old Irish word uisce beatha meaning water of life, originally a translation of Latin aqua vitae. The form whiskey comes from the anglicized version of uisce beatha, with the s in uisce assimilated over time, and the suffix -ey or -eyk added in English spellings. In Scotland, the spelling scotch whisky reflects regional naming conventions; in Ireland, whisky without an additional suffix is common. The beverage’s production evolved from monastic and monastic-adjacent distilling traditions in Ireland and Scotland during the medieval period, spreading to North America in colonial eras, where it became central to regional identities in Kentucky and Tennessee. The first known written usage in English can be traced to 1405 in a Scottish manuscript, with the modern terms solidifying in the 18th and 19th centuries as distilling advanced and commercial brands emerged.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "whiskey" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "whiskey" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "whiskey"
-sky sounds
-ng) sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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