How to pronounce anniversary
Say it like an-uh-VUR-suh-ree. Anniversary has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (VUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce anniversary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- an
- uh
- VUR
- suh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Anniversary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- anGive 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.
- VURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of anniversary
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: an-ih-VUR-suh-ree.
What does anniversary mean?
- the date on which an event occurred in some previous year (or the celebration of it)
Where does anniversary come from?
From Middle English anniversary, from Medieval Latin anniversāria (diēs), anniversārium, from anniversārius (“yearly”), from annus (“year”) + versus, past participle of vertere (“to turn”).
Words that rhyme with anniversary
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of anniversary.
Questions about saying anniversary
How do you pronounce anniversary?
Say an-uh-VUR-suh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˌænəˈvɝsəri/. In British English it is /ˌænɪˈvɜːsəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in anniversary?
Anniversary has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (VUR). Broken into parts: an · uh · VUR · suh · ree.
Is anniversary 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 /ˌænɪˈvɜːsəri/ (an-ih-VUR-suh-ree).