How to pronounce bearer
Say it like BER-er. Bearer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bearer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BER
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bearer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of bearer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BAIR-ruh.
What does bearer mean?
- One who, or that which, bears, sustains, or carries.
- Someone who helps carry the coffin or a dead body during a funeral procession.
- One who possesses a cheque, bond, or other notes promising payment.“I promise to pay the bearer on demand.”
Where does bearer come from?
From Middle English berer, berere, from Old English berere (attested in Old English wæterberere (“waterbearer”)), equivalent to bear + -er.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with bearer
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of bearer.
Questions about saying bearer
How do you pronounce bearer?
Say BER-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɛrɚ/. In British English it is /ˈbɛərə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bearer?
Bearer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BER). Broken into parts: BER · er.
Is bearer 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 /ˈbɛərə/ (BAIR-ruh).