How to pronounce layoff
Say it like LAY-awf. Layoff has two 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 layoff. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAY
- awf
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Layoff 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.
- awfGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of layoff
American and British speakers say layoff in essentially the same way: /ˈleɪˌɔf/ in the US and /ˈleɪˌɒf/ in the UK.
British respelling: LAY-of.
What does layoff mean?
- A dismissal of employees from their jobs because of tightened budgetary constraints or work shortage (not due to poor performance or misconduct).
- A period of time when someone is unavailable for work.
- A short pass that has been rolled in front of another player for them to kick.
Where does layoff come from?
Deverbal from lay off.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with layoff
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of layoff.
Questions about saying layoff
How do you pronounce layoff?
Say LAY-awf. The American pronunciation is /ˈleɪˌɔf/. In British English it is /ˈleɪˌɒf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in layoff?
Layoff has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAY). Broken into parts: LAY · awf.
Do Americans and Brits say layoff the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈleɪˌɔf/ and the British form is /ˈleɪˌɒf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.