How to pronounce major
Say it like MAY-jer. Major has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce major. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MAY
- jer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Major pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- jerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of major
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MAY-juh.
What does major mean?
- of greater importance or stature or rank“a major artist”“a major role”
- greater in scope or effect“a major contribution”“a major improvement”
- greater in number or size or amount“a major portion (a majority) of the population”“Ursa Major”
- a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines; below lieutenant colonel and above captain
- British statesman who was prime minister from 1990 until 1997 (born in 1943)
- a university student who is studying a particular field as the principal subject“she is a linguistics major”
- have as one's principal field of study“She is majoring in linguistics”
Where does major come from?
Noun sense 1 is a shortening of sergeant major, perhaps after Spanish mayor in the same sense.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with major
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of major.
Questions about saying major
How do you pronounce major?
Say MAY-jer. The American pronunciation is /ˈmeɪdʒɚ/. In British English it is /ˈmeɪdʒə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in major?
Major has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAY). Broken into parts: MAY · jer.
Is major 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 /ˈmeɪdʒə/ (MAY-juh).