How to pronounce extraordinaire
Say it like ek-struh-OR-dih-nair. Extraordinaire has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (OR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce extraordinaire. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ek
- struh
- OR
- dih
- nair
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Extraordinaire pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ekGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- struhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- nairGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of extraordinaire
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ek-struh-AW-dih-nair.
What does extraordinaire mean?
- Extraordinary, remarkable, outstanding.
- (of a person) Particularly skilled; unusually active; particularly successful.“He was a dancer extraordinaire.”
- Something particularly remarkable or outstanding.
Where does extraordinaire come from?
Borrowed from French extraordinaire.
Questions about saying extraordinaire
How do you pronounce extraordinaire?
Say ek-struh-OR-dih-nair. The American pronunciation is /ˌɛkstrəˈɔrdɪˌnɛr/. In British English it is /ˌɛkstrəˈɔːdɪˌnɛə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in extraordinaire?
Extraordinaire has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (OR). Broken into parts: ek · struh · OR · dih · nair.
Is extraordinaire 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 /ˌɛkstrəˈɔːdɪˌnɛə/ (ek-struh-AW-dih-nair).