How to pronounce ensign
Say it like EN-sun. Ensign has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ensign. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EN
- sun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ensign pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- sunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of ensign
American and British speakers say ensign in essentially the same way: /ˈɛnsən/ in the US and /ˈɛnsən/ in the UK.
British respelling: EN-sun.
What does ensign mean?
- A badge of office, rank, or power.
- The lowest grade of commissioned officer in the United States Navy, junior to a lieutenant junior grade.
- A flag or banner carried by military units; a standard or color/color.
- To distinguish by a mark or ornament.
- To distinguish by an ornament, especially by a crown.“Any charge which has a crown immediately above or upon it, is said to be ensigned.”
Where does ensign come from?
From Middle English ensigne, from Old French enseigne, from Latin īnsignia, nominative plural of īnsigne, meaning marked, distinguished.
Questions about saying ensign
How do you pronounce ensign?
Say EN-sun. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛnsən/. In British English it is /ˈɛnsən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ensign?
Ensign has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EN). Broken into parts: EN · sun.
Do Americans and Brits say ensign the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɛnsən/ and the British form is /ˈɛnsən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.