How to pronounce monsignor
Say it like mon-SEE-nyer. Monsignor has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce monsignor. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- mon
- SEE
- nyer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Monsignor pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- monKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- SEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- nyerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of monsignor
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: mon-SEE-nyuh.
What does monsignor mean?
- An ecclesiastic title bestowed on some Roman Catholic clerics by the Pope.
Where does monsignor come from?
From Italian monsignore, from signore under influence from Middle French monseigneur.
Words that rhyme with monsignor
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of monsignor.
Questions about saying monsignor
How do you pronounce monsignor?
Say mon-SEE-nyer. The American pronunciation is /mɑnˈsinjɚ/. In British English it is /ˌmɒnˈsiːnjə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in monsignor?
Monsignor has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEE). Broken into parts: mon · SEE · nyer.
Is monsignor 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 /ˌmɒnˈsiːnjə/ (mon-SEE-nyuh).