How to pronounce lioness
Say it like LY-uh-nis. Lioness has three 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 lioness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LY
- uh
- nis
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lioness 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.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nisKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of lioness
American and British speakers say lioness in essentially the same way: /ˈlaɪənɪs/ in the US and /ˈlaɪənɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: LY-uh-nis.
What does lioness mean?
- A female lion (animal).
- A female lion (famous person regarded with interest and curiosity).
Where does lioness come from?
From Middle English leonesse, lyonesse, from Old French leonesse, lionesse; equivalent to lion + -ess.
Questions about saying lioness
How do you pronounce lioness?
Say LY-uh-nis. The American pronunciation is /ˈlaɪənɪs/. In British English it is /ˈlaɪənɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lioness?
Lioness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LY). Broken into parts: LY · uh · nis.
Do Americans and Brits say lioness the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈlaɪənɪs/ and the British form is /ˈlaɪənɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.