Pronunciation: [spˈahiː] (IPA) 
The word "Spahee" is spelled as /spəˈhiː/. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word indicates that it is pronounced with a short "u" sound (represented by /ə/) followed by a long "e" sound (represented by /iː/). The "h" is silent and serves only to separate the two syllables of the word. "Spahee" refers to a soldier in the Ottoman Empire's army, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Formerly, one of the Turkish cavalry.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Spahee" originates from the Ottoman Turkish language. It is derived from the Ottoman Turkish term "sipahi", which means "cavalryman" or "horseman". The term "sipahi" was used to refer to a type of feudal cavalry in the Ottoman Empire. Over time, it evolved into "Spahee" in English, primarily referring to the Ottoman cavalry units.
