How to pronounce breathalyzer
Say it like BRETH-uh-ly-zer. Breathalyzer has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BRETH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce breathalyzer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BRETH
- uh
- ly
- zer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Breathalyzer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BRETHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lyKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- zerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of breathalyzer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BRETH-uh-ly-zuh.
What does breathalyzer mean?
- A device that measures alcohol in expired air so as to estimate the concentration of alcohol in a person's blood; used by traffic police in cases of suspected driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Where does breathalyzer come from?
Equivalent to breathalyze + -er.
Questions about saying breathalyzer
How do you pronounce breathalyzer?
Say BRETH-uh-ly-zer. The American pronunciation is /ˈbrɛθəlaɪzɚ/. In British English it is /ˈbrɛθəlaɪzə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in breathalyzer?
Breathalyzer has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BRETH). Broken into parts: BRETH · uh · ly · zer.
Is breathalyzer 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 /ˈbrɛθəlaɪzə/ (BRETH-uh-ly-zuh).