How to pronounce airlift
Say it like AIR-lift. Airlift has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce airlift. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AIR
- lift
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Airlift 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.
- liftGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of airlift
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AIR-lift.
What does airlift mean?
- The transportation of troops, civilians or supplies by air, especially in an emergency.
- Such a flight.
- A pipe that is used to suck up objects from the sea bed.
- To transport (supplies, troops, etc) in an airlift.“The mountaineer who fell down a crevasse had to be airlifted out.”
Where does airlift come from?
From air + lift; compare sealift.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying airlift
How do you pronounce airlift?
Say AIR-lift. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛrˌlɪft/. In British English it is /ˈɛəlɪft/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in airlift?
Airlift has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AIR). Broken into parts: AIR · lift.
Is airlift 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 /ˈɛəlɪft/ (AIR-lift).