How to pronounce leotard
Say it like LEE-uh-tard. Leotard has three 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 leotard. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LEE
- uh
- tard
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Leotard 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.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tardKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of leotard
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: LEE-uh-tahd.
What does leotard mean?
- A one-piece skintight garment with or without sleeves and without legs (often worn by gymnasts, acrobats, wrestlers, female swimmers, etc.)
Where does leotard come from?
Named after French acrobat Jules Léotard (1838–1870).
Questions about saying leotard
How do you pronounce leotard?
Say LEE-uh-tard. The American pronunciation is /ˈliətɑrd/. In British English it is /ˈliːətɑːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in leotard?
Leotard has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEE). Broken into parts: LEE · uh · tard.
Is leotard 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 /ˈliːətɑːd/ (LEE-uh-tahd).