How to pronounce espalier
Say it like ih-SPAL-yer. Espalier has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPAL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce espalier. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ih
- SPAL
- yer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Espalier pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SPALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- yerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of espalier
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ih-SPAL-eer.
What does espalier mean?
- A latticework used to shape or train the branches of a tree or shrub into a two-dimensional ornamental or useful design, as along a wall or fence.
- A plant that has been shaped in this manner.
- A row of plants that have been shaped in this manner.
- To train a plant in this manner.
Where does espalier come from?
Borrowed from French espalier, from Italian spalliera, from spalla (“shoulder”).
Questions about saying espalier
How do you pronounce espalier?
Say ih-SPAL-yer. The American pronunciation is /ɪˈspæljɚ/. In British English it is /ɪˈspælɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in espalier?
Espalier has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPAL). Broken into parts: ih · SPAL · yer.
Is espalier 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 /ɪˈspælɪə/ (ih-SPAL-eer).