How to pronounce heir
Say it like AIR. Heir is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- AIR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: The h is silent. Heir sounds exactly like air.
Heir pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of heir
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AIR.
What does heir mean?
- Someone who inherits, or is designated to inherit, the property of another.“My brother is the heir to our childhood house and yet has no interest in it.”
- One who inherits, or has been designated to inherit, a hereditary title or office.“As the heir to the British throne, the Prince of Wales is a very public figure.”
- A successor in a role, representing continuity with the predecessor.
- To inherit.
Where does heir come from?
From Middle English heir, from Anglo-Norman eir, heir, from Latin hērēs.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- beneficiary
- inheritor
- aftercomer
- succeeder
- successor
- heritor
Words that rhyme with heir
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of heir.
Words that sound like heir
Questions about saying heir
How do you pronounce heir?
Say AIR. The American pronunciation is /ɛr/. In British English it is /ɛə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in heir?
Heir is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: AIR.
Is heir 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 /ɛə/ (AIR).
What words sound the same as heir?
Heir sounds the same as air, ere, err, Eyre, aer in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.