How to pronounce ladybird
Say it like LAY-dee-burd. Ladybird has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ladybird. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAY
- dee
- burd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ladybird pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- deeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- burdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of ladybird
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: LAY-dee-bud.
What does ladybird mean?
- Any of the Coccinellidae family of beetles, typically having a round shape and red or yellow spotted elytra.
Where does ladybird come from?
From lady + bird. Lady here refers to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying ladybird
How do you pronounce ladybird?
Say LAY-dee-burd. The American pronunciation is /ˈleɪdibɝd/. In British English it is /ˈleɪdibəd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ladybird?
Ladybird has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAY). Broken into parts: LAY · dee · burd.
Is ladybird 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 /ˈleɪdibəd/ (LAY-dee-bud).