How to pronounce neon
Say it like NEE-on. Neon has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce neon. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NEE
- on
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Neon pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- onKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of neon
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: NEE-on.
What does neon mean?
- a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with neon
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of neon.
Questions about saying neon
How do you pronounce neon?
Say NEE-on. The American pronunciation is /ˈniɑn/. In British English it is /ˈniːɒn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in neon?
Neon has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NEE). Broken into parts: NEE · on.
Is neon pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈniːɒn/ (NEE-on).