How to pronounce lifesaver
Say it like LYFE-say-ver. Lifesaver has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LYFE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lifesaver. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LYFE
- say
- ver
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lifesaver pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LYFESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- sayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of lifesaver
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: LYFE-say-vuh.
What does lifesaver mean?
- A lifeguard or other rescuer.“My dad loves his job as a surf lifesaver.”
- A life buoy.“They threw him a lifesaver and then hauled him up onto the boat.”
- Any lifesaving tool or item of supplies.“When I got lost in the woods, my Swiss Army knife was a lifesaver.”
Where does lifesaver come from?
From life + saver.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying lifesaver
How do you pronounce lifesaver?
Say LYFE-say-ver. The American pronunciation is /ˈlaɪfˌseɪvər/. In British English it is /ˈlaɪfˌseɪvə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lifesaver?
Lifesaver has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LYFE). Broken into parts: LYFE · say · ver.
Is lifesaver 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 /ˈlaɪfˌseɪvə/ (LYFE-say-vuh).