How to pronounce apron
Say it like AY-prun. Apron has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce apron. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AY
- prun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Apron pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- prunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of apron
American and British speakers say apron in essentially the same way: /ˈeɪprən/ in the US and /ˈeɪprən/ in the UK.
British respelling: AY-prun.
What does apron mean?
- An article of clothing worn over the front of the torso and/or legs for protection from spills; also historically worn by Freemasons and as part of women's fashion.“She tied an apron around her waist before cooking dinner.”
- The short cassock ordinarily worn by English bishops.
- The paved area of an airport, especially the area where aircraft park away from a terminal.“The plane was parked on the airport apron.”
- To cover with, or as if with, an apron.
Where does apron come from?
Rebracketing of napron (a napron → an apron), from Middle English naperoun, napron, apron, from Old French napperon, diminutive of nappe (“tablecloth”), from Latin mappa (“napkin”).
Questions about saying apron
How do you pronounce apron?
Say AY-prun. The American pronunciation is /ˈeɪprən/. In British English it is /ˈeɪprən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in apron?
Apron has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AY). Broken into parts: AY · prun.
Do Americans and Brits say apron the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈeɪprən/ and the British form is /ˈeɪprən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.