How to pronounce measure
Say it like MEZH-er. Measure has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEZH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce measure. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MEZH
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Measure pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MEZHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of measure
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MEZH-uh.
What does measure mean?
- any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal“the situation called for strong measures”“the police took steps to reduce crime”
- how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify
- a statute in draft before it becomes law“they held a public hearing on the bill”
- determine the measurements of something or somebody, take measurements of“Measure the length of the wall”
- express as a number or measure or quantity“Can you quantify your results?”
- have certain dimensions“This table surfaces measures 20inches by 36 inches”
Where does measure come from?
From Middle English mesure, from Old French mesure, from Latin mēnsūra (“a measure”), mētior (“to measure”, supine stem in mēns-) + -tūra.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with measure
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of measure.
Questions about saying measure
How do you pronounce measure?
Say MEZH-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɛʒɚ/. In British English it is /ˈmɛʒə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in measure?
Measure has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEZH). Broken into parts: MEZH · er.
Is measure 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 /ˈmɛʒə/ (MEZH-uh).