How to pronounce courier
Say it like KUR-ree-er. Courier has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce courier. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUR
- ree
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Courier pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KURSay this part loudest and longest.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of courier
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KUUR-ee-uh.
What does courier mean?
- a person who carries a message
Where does courier come from?
From a convergence of Middle English corour, currour, from Old French coreor, agent noun of corir (“to run”), and Middle English courier, a borrowing of Middle French courrier, from Italian corriere.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with courier
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of courier.
Questions about saying courier
How do you pronounce courier?
Say KUR-ree-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɜriɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkʊriə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in courier?
Courier has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR). Broken into parts: KUR · ree · er.
Is courier 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 /ˈkʊriə/ (KUUR-ee-uh).