How to pronounce avenue
Say it like AV-uh-noo. Avenue has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce avenue. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AV
- uh
- noo
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Avenue pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nooGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of avenue
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: AV-ih-nyoo.
What does avenue mean?
- a line of approach“they explored every avenue they could think of”“it promises to open new avenues to understanding”
- a wide street or thoroughfare
Where does avenue come from?
Borrowed from French avenue, from Old French avenue, feminine past participle of avenir (“approach”), from Latin adveniō, advenīre (“come to”, from ad (“to”) + veniō, venīre (“come”)).
Questions about saying avenue
How do you pronounce avenue?
Say AV-uh-noo. The American pronunciation is /ˈævəˌnu/. In British English it is /ˈævɪˌnjuː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in avenue?
Avenue has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AV). Broken into parts: AV · uh · noo.
Is avenue pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /ˈævɪˌnjuː/ (AV-ih-nyoo).