How to pronounce minivan
Say it like MIN-ee-VAN. Minivan has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MIN).
- MIN
- ee
- VAN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Minivan pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- VANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of minivan
American and British speakers say minivan in essentially the same way: /ˈmɪniˈvæn/ in the US and /ˈmɪniˈvæn/ in the UK.
British respelling: MIN-ee-VAN.
What does minivan mean?
- A small van, especially (Canada, US, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines) one primarily used for family transport.
- To travel or transport in a small van.
Where does minivan come from?
From mini- + van. First widely used in the 1980s, when this class of vehicles became widely popular as an alternative to station wagons (estate cars).
Words that rhyme with minivan
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of minivan.
Questions about saying minivan
How do you pronounce minivan?
Say MIN-ee-VAN. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɪniˈvæn/. In British English it is /ˈmɪniˈvæn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in minivan?
Minivan has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MIN). Broken into parts: MIN · ee · VAN.
Do Americans and Brits say minivan the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmɪniˈvæn/ and the British form is /ˈmɪniˈvæn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.