How to pronounce bayonet
Say it like BAY-uh-net. Bayonet has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bayonet. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAY
- uh
- net
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bayonet pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- netGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of bayonet
American and British speakers say bayonet in essentially the same way: /ˈbeɪəˌnɛt/ in the US and /ˈbeɪənɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: BAY-uh-nit.
What does bayonet mean?
- A blade mounted to the end of a long gun, originally with a handle inserted into the bore, now usually attached underbarrel.
- A pin which plays in and out of holes made to receive it, and which thus serves to engage or disengage parts of the machinery.
- To stab with a bayonet.
- To compel or drive by the bayonet.
Where does bayonet come from?
Borrowed from French baïonnette, named after the French town of Bayonne, where the plug bayonet was invented.
Questions about saying bayonet
How do you pronounce bayonet?
Say BAY-uh-net. The American pronunciation is /ˈbeɪəˌnɛt/. In British English it is /ˈbeɪənɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bayonet?
Bayonet has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAY). Broken into parts: BAY · uh · net.
Do Americans and Brits say bayonet the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbeɪəˌnɛt/ and the British form is /ˈbeɪənɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.