How to pronounce calvary
Say it like KAL-vuh-ree. Calvary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce calvary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAL
- vuh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Calvary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- vuhKeep 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 calvary
American and British speakers say calvary in essentially the same way: /ˈkælvəri/ in the US and /ˈkælvəri/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAL-vuh-ree.
What does calvary mean?
- A life-size representation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on a piece of raised ground.
- A series of representations of Christ’s Passion in a church.
- A type of monumental public Christian cross, sometimes encased in an open shrine.“Calvaries are typical of Galicia (Spain) and Portugal.”
Where does calvary come from?
From Late Latin calvāria (“skull”).
Questions about saying calvary
How do you pronounce calvary?
Say KAL-vuh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˈkælvəri/. In British English it is /ˈkælvəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in calvary?
Calvary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAL). Broken into parts: KAL · vuh · ree.
Do Americans and Brits say calvary the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkælvəri/ and the British form is /ˈkælvəri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.