How to pronounce measles
Say it like MEE-zulz. Measles has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce measles. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MEE
- zulz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Measles pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- zulzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of measles
American and British speakers say measles in essentially the same way: /ˈmizəlz/ in the US and /ˈmiːzəlz/ in the UK.
British respelling: MEE-zulz.
What does measles mean?
- An acute and highly contagious disease which often afflicts children caused by the virus Measles morbillivirus and causing red rashes, fever, runny nose, coughing, and red eyes.
- plural of measle: a red spot forming part of a rash, (now) particularly those caused by M. morbillivirus. How to pronounce measle
- Synonym of cysticercosis: A disease of livestock or meat caused by the presence of tapeworm larvae.
- third-person singular simple present indicative of measle How to pronounce measle
Where does measles come from?
Either from Middle Dutch masels (“blood blisters, measels”) or Middle Low German maselen (“red blemishes, measels”), both from Old High German masala (“blood blister, phlegmon”).
Questions about saying measles
How do you pronounce measles?
Say MEE-zulz. The American pronunciation is /ˈmizəlz/. In British English it is /ˈmiːzəlz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in measles?
Measles has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEE). Broken into parts: MEE · zulz.
Do Americans and Brits say measles the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmizəlz/ and the British form is /ˈmiːzəlz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.