How to pronounce air
Say it like AIR. Air is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce air. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AIR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Air pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of air
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AIR.
What does air mean?
- a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of“air pollution”“a smell of chemicals in the air”
- the region above the ground“her hand stopped in mid air”“he threw the ball into the air”
- a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing“an air of mystery”“the house had a neglected air”
- expose to fresh air“aerate your old sneakers”
- be broadcast“This show will air Saturdays at 2 P.M.”
- broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television“We cannot air this X-rated song”
Words that rhyme with air
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of air.
Words that sound like air
Questions about saying air
How do you pronounce air?
Say AIR. The American pronunciation is /ɛr/. In British English it is /ɛə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in air?
Air is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: AIR.
Is air pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ɛə/ (AIR).
What words sound the same as air?
Air sounds the same as err, heir in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.