How to pronounce guardrail
Say it like GAR-drayl. Guardrail has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce guardrail. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GAR
- drayl
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Guardrail pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- draylGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of guardrail
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: GAH-drayl.
What does guardrail mean?
- A rail set alongside a dangerous place as a barrier, to improve safety.
- A strengthened barrier installed on the sides of a (usually major) road to keep vehicles on the highway and reduce the risk and/or impact of crashes.
- Any barrier designed to prevent accidents or mistakes.
Where does guardrail come from?
From guard + rail.
Questions about saying guardrail
How do you pronounce guardrail?
Say GAR-drayl. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡɑrˌdreɪl/. In British English it is /ˈɡɑːˌdreɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in guardrail?
Guardrail has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GAR). Broken into parts: GAR · drayl.
Is guardrail 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 /ˈɡɑːˌdreɪl/ (GAH-drayl).