How to pronounce earliest
Say it like UR-lee-ust. Earliest has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce earliest. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UR
- lee
- ust
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Earliest pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- URSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ustKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of earliest
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UR-lee-ist.
What does earliest mean?
- (comparative and superlative of early) more early than; most early“a fashion popular in earlier times”“his earlier work reflects the influence of his teacher”
- with the least delay“the soonest I can arrive is 3 P.M.”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying earliest
How do you pronounce earliest?
Say UR-lee-ust. The American pronunciation is /ˈɝliəst/. In British English it is /ˈɜːliɪst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in earliest?
Earliest has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UR). Broken into parts: UR · lee · ust.
Is earliest 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 /ˈɜːliɪst/ (UR-lee-ist).