How to pronounce available
Say it like uh-VAY-luh-bul. Available has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce available. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- VAY
- luh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Available 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.
- VAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- luhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of available
American and British speakers say available in essentially the same way: /əˈveɪləbəl/ in the US and /əˈveɪləbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-VAY-luh-bul.
What does available mean?
- obtainable or accessible and ready for use or service“kept a fire extinguisher available”“much information is available through computers”
- not busy; not otherwise committed“he was not available for comment”“he was available and willing to accompany her”
- convenient for use or disposal“the house is available after July 1”“2000 square feet of usable office space”
Where does available come from?
From Middle English available, avayllable, avayleable, equivalent of avail + -able.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with available
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of available.
Questions about saying available
How do you pronounce available?
Say uh-VAY-luh-bul. The American pronunciation is /əˈveɪləbəl/. In British English it is /əˈveɪləbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in available?
Available has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VAY). Broken into parts: uh · VAY · luh · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say available the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈveɪləbəl/ and the British form is /əˈveɪləbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.