How to pronounce buccaneer
Say it like buhk-uh-NEER. Buccaneer has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NEER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce buccaneer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- buhk
- uh
- NEER
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Buccaneer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- buhkGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- NEERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of buccaneer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: buhk-uh-NEER.
What does buccaneer mean?
- Any of a group of seamen who cruised on their own account on the Spanish Main and in the Pacific in the 17th century, who were similar to pirates but did not prey on ships of their own nation.
- A pirate.
- To engage in piracy against any but one's own nation's ships.
Where does buccaneer come from?
From French boucanier, from boucaner (“to smoke or broil meat and fish, to hunt wild beasts for their skins”), from boucan (“(Tupi-style) grill”), from Old Tupi moka'ẽ, mboka'ẽ (“wooden grill”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with buccaneer
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of buccaneer.
Questions about saying buccaneer
How do you pronounce buccaneer?
Say buhk-uh-NEER. The American pronunciation is /ˌbʌkəˈnir/. In British English it is /ˌbʌkəˈnɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in buccaneer?
Buccaneer has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NEER). Broken into parts: buhk · uh · NEER.
Is buccaneer 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 /ˌbʌkəˈnɪə/ (buhk-uh-NEER).