How to pronounce corsair
Say it like KOR-sair. Corsair has two 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 corsair. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOR
- sair
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Corsair 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.
- sairKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of corsair
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAW-sair.
What does corsair mean?
- A French privateer, especially from the port of Saint-Malo.
- A privateer or pirate in general.
- The ship of such privateers or pirates, especially of French nationality.
Where does corsair come from?
Borrowed from French corsaire, from Medieval Latin cursārius (“pirate”), from Latin cursus (“course, a running; plunder, hostile inroad”).
Questions about saying corsair
How do you pronounce corsair?
Say KOR-sair. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɔrsɛr/. In British English it is /ˈkɔːsɛə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in corsair?
Corsair has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOR). Broken into parts: KOR · sair.
Is corsair 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 /ˈkɔːsɛə/ (KAW-sair).