How to pronounce missionary
Say it like MISH-uh-ner-ee. Missionary has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MISH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce missionary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MISH
- uh
- ner
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Missionary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MISHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nerGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of missionary
American and British speakers say missionary in essentially the same way: /ˈmɪʃəˌnɛri/ in the US and /ˈmɪʃənərɪ/ in the UK.
British respelling: MISH-uh-nuh-rih.
What does missionary mean?
- someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program
- someone sent on a mission--especially a religious or charitable mission to a foreign country
- relating to or connected to a religious mission
Where does missionary come from?
From mission + -ary.
Words that rhyme with missionary
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of missionary.
Questions about saying missionary
How do you pronounce missionary?
Say MISH-uh-ner-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɪʃəˌnɛri/. In British English it is /ˈmɪʃənərɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in missionary?
Missionary has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MISH). Broken into parts: MISH · uh · ner · ee.
Do Americans and Brits say missionary the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmɪʃəˌnɛri/ and the British form is /ˈmɪʃənərɪ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.