How to pronounce dollar
Say it like DAH-ler. Dollar has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DAH).
- DAH
- ler
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dollar pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- lerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of dollar
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: DOL-uh.
Other ways to say dollar
Dollar also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- DAW-ler /ˈdɔlɚ/
What does dollar mean?
- the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 cents
- a piece of paper money worth one dollar
- a United States coin worth one dollar“the dollar coin has never been popular in the United States”
Where does dollar come from?
Attested since the mid-16th century, from early Dutch daler, daalder, from German Taler, Thaler (“dollar”), earlier Joachimsthaler, literally “of Joachimstal”, the town where the original dollars were minted.
Words that rhyme with dollar
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of dollar.
Questions about saying dollar
How do you pronounce dollar?
Say DAH-ler. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɑlɚ/. In British English it is /ˈdɒlə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dollar?
Dollar has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DAH). Broken into parts: DAH · ler.
Is dollar 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 /ˈdɒlə/ (DOL-uh).