noun

allophone

AL-uh-fohn

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Allophone (noun) means one of two or more different sounds used to say the same underlying phoneme in a language. Example: “The aspirated and unaspirated t sounds in English are allophones of the same phoneme.”

noun

linguistics One of two or more different sounds used to say the same underlying phoneme in a language.

"The aspirated and unaspirated t sounds in English are allophones of the same phoneme."

"Linguists study how allophones of a sound shift depending on their position in a word."

"A native speaker rarely notices the difference between two allophones of the same phoneme."

Canadian English In Canada, a person whose first language is neither English nor French, and in some usage not an indigenous language of Canada either.

"The city's schools serve a large population of allophones alongside English and French speakers."

"As an allophone, she grew up speaking Italian at home before learning English at school."

How to use allophone

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA variant pronunciation of the same basic sound, or, in Canada, someone whose first language isn't English or French.

When to use it

The phonology sense is a technical linguistics term, while the Canadian sense is everyday usage in that country.

Memory tip

If you're not studying linguistics or writing about Canada, you're unlikely to need this word day to day.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

allomorph →

Common pairings

allophones of a phoneme complementary allophones allophonic variation

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “allophone” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The aspirated and unaspirated t sounds in English are _____ of the same phoneme.

Etymology

Allophone comes from the prefix allo-, meaning different, joined to -phone, a combining form relating to sound. It names something that counts as a different version of the same underlying sound unit.

Origin: English (from Greek elements)

Rhymes for allophone

one bone done gone none tone lone hone cone zone stone phone

See all rhymes for allophone →

Frequently asked questions

What is an allophone in simple terms?

It is one of the different ways a single sound in a language can actually be pronounced, without changing the word's meaning.

How is an allophone different from a phoneme?

A phoneme is the abstract sound unit a language recognises, while an allophone is one of its real spoken variants.

Why does Canada use allophone to describe people?

In Canadian usage it describes someone whose mother tongue is neither of Canada's official languages, English or French.

What is the meaning of allophone?

"allophone" (noun) means one of two or more different sounds used to say the same underlying phoneme in a language.