How to pronounce express
Say it like ik-SPRES. Express has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPRES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce express. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ik
- SPRES
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Express pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SPRESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of express
American and British speakers say express in essentially the same way: /ɪkˈsprɛs/ in the US and /ɪkˈsprɛs/ in the UK.
British respelling: ik-SPRES.
What does express mean?
- give expression to“She showed her disappointment”
- articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise“She expressed her anger”“He uttered a curse”
- serve as a means for expressing something“The painting of Mary carries motherly love”“His voice carried a lot of anger”
- not tacit or implied“her express wish”
- without unnecessary stops“an express train”“an express shipment”
- by express“please send the letter express”
Where does express come from?
From French exprès, from Latin expressus, past participle of exprimere (see Etymology 2, below).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with express
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of express.
Questions about saying express
How do you pronounce express?
Say ik-SPRES. The American pronunciation is /ɪkˈsprɛs/. In British English it is /ɪkˈsprɛs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in express?
Express has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPRES). Broken into parts: ik · SPRES.
Do Americans and Brits say express the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪkˈsprɛs/ and the British form is /ɪkˈsprɛs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.