How to pronounce irregular
Say it like ir-EG-yuh-ler. Irregular has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (EG).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce irregular. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ir
- EG
- yuh
- ler
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Irregular pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- irGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- EGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- yuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of irregular
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ih-REG-yuu-luh.
What does irregular mean?
- contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice“irregular hiring practices”
- not occurring at a regular rate or fixed intervals“an irregular heartbeat”
- (used of the military) not belonging to or engaged in by regular army forces“irregular troops”“irregular warfare”
- a member of an irregular armed force that fights a stronger force by sabotage and harassment
- merchandise that has imperfections; usually sold at a reduced price without the brand name
Where does irregular come from?
From Middle English irreguler, from Old French irreguler, from Medieval Latin or Late Latin irrēgulāris, from in- + regularis, equivalent to ir- + regular.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying irregular
How do you pronounce irregular?
Say ir-EG-yuh-ler. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪˈrɛɡjəlɚ/. In British English it is /ɪˈrɛɡjʊlə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in irregular?
Irregular has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (EG). Broken into parts: ir · EG · yuh · ler.
Is irregular 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 /ɪˈrɛɡjʊlə/ (ih-REG-yuu-luh).