How to pronounce hairdressing
Say it like HAIR-dres-ing. Hairdressing has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hairdressing. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HAIR
- dres
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hairdressing pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HAIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- dresGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of hairdressing
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: HAIR-dres-ing.
What does hairdressing mean?
- The washing, coloring, cutting and styling of the hair; the art or trade of a hairdresser.
- present participle and gerund of hairdress
Where does hairdressing come from?
From hair + dressing.
Questions about saying hairdressing
How do you pronounce hairdressing?
Say HAIR-dres-ing. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɛrˌdrɛsɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈhɛəˌdrɛsɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hairdressing?
Hairdressing has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAIR). Broken into parts: HAIR · dres · ing.
Is hairdressing 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 /ˈhɛəˌdrɛsɪŋ/ (HAIR-dres-ing).