How to pronounce alveolar
Say it like al-VEE-uh-ler. Alveolar has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce alveolar. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- al
- VEE
- uh
- ler
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alveolar pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- alKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- VEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of alveolar
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: al-VEE-uh-luh.
What does alveolar mean?
- Relating to the alveoli (small air sacs) of the lungs.
- Relating to the jaw ridge containing the tooth sockets.
- Formed with the tongue touching or approaching the inner ridge of the gums of the upper front teeth.
- An alveolar consonant.
Where does alveolar come from?
From alveolus + -ar.
Questions about saying alveolar
How do you pronounce alveolar?
Say al-VEE-uh-ler. The American pronunciation is /ælˈviəlɚ/. In British English it is /ælˈviːələ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alveolar?
Alveolar has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VEE). Broken into parts: al · VEE · uh · ler.
Is alveolar 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 /ælˈviːələ/ (al-VEE-uh-luh).