How to pronounce minor
Say it like MY-ner. Minor has two 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 minor. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MY
- ner
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Minor 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.
- nerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of minor
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MY-nuh.
What does minor mean?
- of lesser importance or stature or rank“a minor poet”“had a minor part in the play”
- lesser in scope or effect“had minor differences”“a minor disturbance”
- inferior in number or size or amount“a minor share of the profits”“Ursa Minor”
- a young person of either sex“she writes books for children”“they're just kids”
- have as one's secondary field of study“in collee she minored in mathematics”
Where does minor come from?
From Middle English minor, menor, menour, etc., from Latin minor (“lesser; young; young person”) both directly and via Norman and Middle French menor, menour, etc.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with minor
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of minor.
Words that sound like minor
Questions about saying minor
How do you pronounce minor?
Say MY-ner. The American pronunciation is /ˈmaɪnɚ/. In British English it is /ˈmaɪnə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in minor?
Minor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MY). Broken into parts: MY · ner.
Is minor 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 /ˈmaɪnə/ (MY-nuh).
What words sound the same as minor?
Minor sounds the same as miner in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.