How to pronounce abattoir
Say it like ab-uh-TWAR. Abattoir has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TWAR).
- ab
- uh
- TWAR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abattoir pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- abGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TWARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of abattoir
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 3, while British speakers stress syllable 1.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: AB-uh-twah.
What does abattoir mean?
- A public slaughterhouse for cattle, sheep, etc.“Once the cows reach maturity, they're sent to the abattoir.”
- A place or event of great carnage or bloodshed.“The army's raid on the enemy turned into a major abattoir.”
Where does abattoir come from?
Borrowed from French abattoir, from abattre (“to slaughter”) (cognate to abate) + -oir (“-ory”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with abattoir
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of abattoir.
Questions about saying abattoir
How do you pronounce abattoir?
Say ab-uh-TWAR. The American pronunciation is /ˌæbəˈtwɑr/. In British English it is /ˈæbəˌtwɑː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abattoir?
Abattoir has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TWAR). Broken into parts: ab · uh · TWAR.
Is abattoir pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 3, while British speakers stress syllable 1. The British form is /ˈæbəˌtwɑː/ (AB-uh-twah).