How to pronounce cornerstone
Say it like KOR-ner-stohn. Cornerstone has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cornerstone. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOR
- ner
- stohn
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cornerstone pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- nerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- stohnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of cornerstone
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: KAW-nuh-stohn.
What does cornerstone mean?
- A stone forming the base at the corner of a building.
- Such a stone used ceremonially, often inscribed with the architect's and owner's names, dates and other details.“The cornerstone on the Flatiron Building is set on the Fifth Avenue facade.”
- That which is prominent, fundamental, noteworthy, or central.“Exceptional service is the cornerstone of the hospitality industry.”
Where does cornerstone come from?
From Middle English corner ston; equivalent to corner + stone.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying cornerstone
How do you pronounce cornerstone?
Say KOR-ner-stohn. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɔrnɚˌstoʊn/. In British English it is /ˈkɔːnəstəʊn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cornerstone?
Cornerstone has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOR). Broken into parts: KOR · ner · stohn.
Is cornerstone 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 /ˈkɔːnəstəʊn/ (KAW-nuh-stohn).