How to pronounce leader
Say it like LEE-der. Leader has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce leader. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LEE
- der
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Leader pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of leader
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: LEE-duh.
What does leader mean?
- a person who rules or guides or inspires others
- a featured article of merchandise sold at a loss in order to draw customers
Where does leader come from?
Inherited from Middle English ledere, from Old English lǣdere, from Proto-West Germanic *laidijārī, from *laidī (“leading, leadership”) + *-ārī, or from *laid (“leading”) + *-ārī.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with leader
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of leader.
Questions about saying leader
How do you pronounce leader?
Say LEE-der. The American pronunciation is /ˈlidɚ/. In British English it is /ˈliːdə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in leader?
Leader has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEE). Broken into parts: LEE · der.
Is leader 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 /ˈliːdə/ (LEE-duh).