How to pronounce lawyer
Say it like LAW-yer. Lawyer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lawyer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAW
- yer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lawyer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LAWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- yerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of lawyer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: LAW-yuh.
Other ways to say lawyer
Lawyer also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- LOY-er /ˈlɔɪɚ/
What does lawyer mean?
- a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
Where does lawyer come from?
From Middle English lawiere, lawier, lawer, equivalent to law + -yer.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with lawyer
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lawyer.
Questions about saying lawyer
How do you pronounce lawyer?
Say LAW-yer. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɔjɚ/. In British English it is /ˈlɔːjə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lawyer?
Lawyer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAW). Broken into parts: LAW · yer.
Is lawyer 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 /ˈlɔːjə/ (LAW-yuh).