How to pronounce microwave
Say it like MY-kruh-wayv. Microwave has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce microwave. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MY
- kruh
- wayv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Microwave pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- kruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- wayvGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of microwave
American and British speakers say microwave in essentially the same way: /ˈmaɪkrəˌweɪv/ in the US and /ˈmaɪkrəˌweɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: MY-kruh-wayv.
What does microwave mean?
- a short electromagnetic wave (longer than infrared but shorter than radio waves); used for radar and microwave ovens and for transmitting telephone, facsimile, video and data
- kitchen appliance that cooks food by passing an electromagnetic wave through it; heat results from the absorption of energy by the water molecules in the food
- cook or heat in a microwave oven“You can microwave the leftovers”
Where does microwave come from?
From micro- + wave.
Questions about saying microwave
How do you pronounce microwave?
Say MY-kruh-wayv. The American pronunciation is /ˈmaɪkrəˌweɪv/. In British English it is /ˈmaɪkrəˌweɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in microwave?
Microwave has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MY). Broken into parts: MY · kruh · wayv.
Do Americans and Brits say microwave the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmaɪkrəˌweɪv/ and the British form is /ˈmaɪkrəˌweɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.