How to pronounce customary
Say it like KUHS-tuh-mer-ee. Customary has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce customary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUHS
- tuh
- mer
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Customary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KUHSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- merGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of customary
American and British speakers say customary in essentially the same way: /ˈkʌstəˌmɛri/ in the US and /ˈkʌstəməri/ in the UK.
British respelling: KUHS-tuh-muh-ree.
What does customary mean?
- in accordance with convention or custom“sealed the deal with the customary handshake”
- commonly used or practiced; usual“his accustomed thoroughness”“took his customary morning walk”
Where does customary come from?
From Middle English custumary, from Medieval Latin custumarius.
Questions about saying customary
How do you pronounce customary?
Say KUHS-tuh-mer-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈkʌstəˌmɛri/. In British English it is /ˈkʌstəməri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in customary?
Customary has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHS). Broken into parts: KUHS · tuh · mer · ee.
Do Americans and Brits say customary the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkʌstəˌmɛri/ and the British form is /ˈkʌstəməri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.