How to pronounce attorney
Say it like uh-TUR-nee. Attorney has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce attorney. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- TUR
- nee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Attorney pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- neeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of attorney
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uh-TUR-nee.
What does attorney mean?
- a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
Where does attorney come from?
From Middle English attourne, from Old French atorné, past participle of atorner, atourner, aturner (“to attorn”), in the sense of "one appointed or constituted".
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with attorney
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of attorney.
Questions about saying attorney
How do you pronounce attorney?
Say uh-TUR-nee. The American pronunciation is /əˈtɝni/. In British English it is /əˈtɜːni/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in attorney?
Attorney has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR). Broken into parts: uh · TUR · nee.
Is attorney 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 /əˈtɜːni/ (uh-TUR-nee).