How to pronounce carousel
Say it like KER-uh-sel. Carousel has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce carousel. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KER
- uh
- sel
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Carousel pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KERSay 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.
- selGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of carousel
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3.
British respelling: kar-uh-SEL.
What does carousel mean?
- A pleasure ride, typically found at amusement parks and fairs and accompanied by music, consisting of a slowly revolving circular platform on which are fixed various seats, frequently shaped like horses or other animals, cars, etc., which may also move up and down; a merry-go-round.
- A revolving device for item delivery or display.“After collecting his suitcase at the baggage carousel, he left the airport.”
- The rotating glass plate in a microwave oven.
- To revolve or change places.
Where does carousel come from?
From French carrousel, from Italian carosello, from Sicilian caruseḍḍu and/or Neapolitan carusiello.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying carousel
How do you pronounce carousel?
Say KER-uh-sel. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɛrəˌsɛl/. In British English it is /ˌkærəˈsɛl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in carousel?
Carousel has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KER). Broken into parts: KER · uh · sel.
Is carousel pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3. The British form is /ˌkærəˈsɛl/ (kar-uh-SEL).