How to pronounce Adelaide
Say it like AD-uh-layd. Adelaide has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AD).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Adelaide. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AD
- uh
- layd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Adelaide pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ADSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- laydGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of Adelaide
American and British speakers say Adelaide in essentially the same way: /ˈædəˌleɪd/ in the US and /ˈædəˌleɪd/ in the UK.
British respelling: AD-uh-layd.
What does Adelaide mean?
- The state capital and largest city in South Australia, Australia.
- A river in the Northern Territory, Australia, known for its large population of saltwater crocodiles.
Where does Adelaide come from?
Borrowed from French Adélaïde, from Old High German Adalheid (from adal (“noble”) + heit (“nature, character”)), modern German Adelheid; doublet of Alice.
Questions about saying Adelaide
How do you pronounce Adelaide?
Say AD-uh-layd. The American pronunciation is /ˈædəˌleɪd/. In British English it is /ˈædəˌleɪd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Adelaide?
Adelaide has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AD). Broken into parts: AD · uh · layd.
Do Americans and Brits say Adelaide the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈædəˌleɪd/ and the British form is /ˈædəˌleɪd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.