How to pronounce layabout
Say it like LAY-uh-bowt. Layabout 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 layabout. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAY
- uh
- bowt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Layabout 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.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bowtGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
American vs British pronunciation of layabout
American and British speakers say layabout in essentially the same way: /ˈleɪəˌbaʊt/ in the US and /ˈleɪəˌbaʊt/ in the UK.
British respelling: LAY-uh-bowt.
What does layabout mean?
- A lazy person.
Where does layabout come from?
From lay + about.
Questions about saying layabout
How do you pronounce layabout?
Say LAY-uh-bowt. The American pronunciation is /ˈleɪəˌbaʊt/. In British English it is /ˈleɪəˌbaʊt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in layabout?
Layabout has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAY). Broken into parts: LAY · uh · bowt.
Do Americans and Brits say layabout the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈleɪəˌbaʊt/ and the British form is /ˈleɪəˌbaʊt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.