How to pronounce carny
Say it like KAR-nee. Carny has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce carny. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAR
- nee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Carny pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- neeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of carny
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAH-nee.
What does carny mean?
- A person who works in a carnival (often one who uses exaggerated showmanship or fraud).
- The jargon used by carnival workers.
- A carnival.
Where does carny come from?
Clipping of carnival + -y (“diminutive, hypocoristic suffix”).
Words that rhyme with carny
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of carny.
Questions about saying carny
How do you pronounce carny?
Say KAR-nee. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑrni/. In British English it is /ˈkɑːni/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in carny?
Carny has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAR). Broken into parts: KAR · nee.
Is carny 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 /ˈkɑːni/ (KAH-nee).