International Phonetic Alphabet

noun

1. the set of symbols and modifiers designed, principally on the basis of articulatory considerations, to provide a consistent and universally understood system for transcribing the speech sounds of any language: devised by the International Phonetic Association. : IPA, I.P.A.

International Phonetic Alphabet

noun

1. a series of signs and letters propagated by the Association Phonétique Internationale for the representation of human speech sounds. It is based on the Roman alphabet but supplemented by modified signs or symbols from other writing systems, and is usually employed in its revised form of 1951 IPA

Word History and Origins

Origin of International Phonetic Alphabet¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

When Bay was studying acting, she said she’d nerd out during the classes where they learned the International Phonetic Alphabet.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s where resources like the International Phonetic Alphabet some in handy.

From Los Angeles Times

The International Police Association, the International Psychoanalytical Association and the International Phonetic Alphabet all have their ways of getting you to talk.

From Washington Post

He also published a vast series of librettos of French, German and Italian operas, painstakingly indicating the pronunciation of every word by means of the International Phonetic Alphabet.

From New York Times

That means creating a written form of the language, which the researchers do using what is known as the International Phonetic Alphabet.

From Economist