The word "people" can be broken down into its sounds, which can help with proper pronunciation in both British and American English. Here are the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcriptions for each:

• American Pronunciation: /ˈpiːpəl/
  • Begins with the /p/ sound, where both lips come together and then release.
  • Followed by the /ˈpiː/ sound, a long 'ee' sound as in "see." This is achieved by stretching the lips into a smile and placing the tongue high and close to the roof of the mouth.
  • Ends with the /pəl/ sound, starting with another /p/ sound, followed by the /əl/, which is the schwa sound plus the 'l.' The schwa sound is a quick, relaxed, and unstressed 'uh' sound, and the 'l' is produced by placing the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge (the gum ridge behind the upper front teeth).
• British Pronunciation: /ˈpiːpəl/
  • The British pronunciation is very similar to the American, with the primary difference being in the quality of the vowels and the rhoticity of the speech. In the case of "people," the pronunciations align closely, focusing on the long 'ee' sound and the final unstressed schwa plus 'l.'

People (n):

1. Humans making up a group or gathering, considered collectively.
2. The members of a particular nation, community, or ethnic group.