How to pronounce gridiron
Say it like GRID-eye-ern. Gridiron has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GRID).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gridiron. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GRID
- eye
- ern
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gridiron pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GRIDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eyeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- ernKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of gridiron
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: GRID-eyen.
What does gridiron mean?
- An instrument of torture on which people were secured before being burned by fire.
- An iron rack or grate used for broiling meat and fish over coals.
- Any object resembling the rack or grate.
- An openwork frame on which vessels are placed for examination, cleaning, and repairs.
- A raised framework from which lighting is suspended.
- To mark or cover with lines; to crisscross.
Where does gridiron come from?
From Middle English gridirne, gredirne, gredyron, gredeyron, grydern, grydyryne, girdirin, girderen, variants of Middle English gredire, gredyre, itself an alteration of Middle English gridel (“griddle”).
Questions about saying gridiron
How do you pronounce gridiron?
Say GRID-eye-ern. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡrɪˌdaɪɚn/. In British English it is /ˈɡrɪdaɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gridiron?
Gridiron has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GRID). Broken into parts: GRID · eye · ern.
Is gridiron pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈɡrɪdaɪn/ (GRID-eyen).