How to pronounce Barbary
Say it like BAR-buh-ree. Barbary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Barbary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAR
- buh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Barbary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- buhKeep 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 Barbary
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BAH-buh-ree.
What does Barbary mean?
- a region of northern Africa on the Mediterranean coast between Egypt and Gibraltar; was used as a base for pirates from the 16th to 19th centuries
Questions about saying Barbary
How do you pronounce Barbary?
Say BAR-buh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɑrbəri/. In British English it is /ˈbɑːbəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Barbary?
Barbary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAR). Broken into parts: BAR · buh · ree.
Is Barbary 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 /ˈbɑːbəri/ (BAH-buh-ree).