How to pronounce lifer
Say it like LY-fer. Lifer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lifer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LY
- fer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lifer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- ferKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of lifer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: LY-fuh.
What does lifer mean?
- A prisoner sentenced to life in prison.
- A prisoner sentenced to transportation for life.
- A person with a singular career path, especially in the military.
Where does lifer come from?
From life + -er.
Words that rhyme with lifer
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lifer.
Questions about saying lifer
How do you pronounce lifer?
Say LY-fer. The American pronunciation is /ˈlaɪfɚ/. In British English it is /ˈlaɪfə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lifer?
Lifer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LY). Broken into parts: LY · fer.
Is lifer 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 /ˈlaɪfə/ (LY-fuh).