How to pronounce crossfire
Say it like KRAWS-fire. Crossfire has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KRAWS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce crossfire. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KRAWS
- fire
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Crossfire pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KRAWSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- fireKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of crossfire
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KROS-fy.
What does crossfire mean?
- An arrangement of two or more weapons so each can fire diagonally at something in front of a line between them.
- The danger to a third party passing between two belligerents firing at one another.“The two factions were either side of the road. A civilian lorry was caught in the crossfire and became collateral damage”
- The danger to a third party passing between a gunman and his target.
Where does crossfire come from?
From cross- + fire.
Questions about saying crossfire
How do you pronounce crossfire?
Say KRAWS-fire. The American pronunciation is /ˈkrɔsfaɪr/. In British English it is /ˈkrɒsfaɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in crossfire?
Crossfire has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KRAWS). Broken into parts: KRAWS · fire.
Is crossfire 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 /ˈkrɒsfaɪ/ (KROS-fy).