How to pronounce Norway
Say it like NOR-way. Norway has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Norway. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NOR
- way
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Norway pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- wayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of Norway
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: NAW-way.
What does Norway mean?
- A country in Scandinavia in Northern Europe. Official name: Kingdom of Norway.
- A settlement in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Where does Norway come from?
From Middle English Norwey, Norweye, Northwey, Norweȝe, Norewæiȝ, Norwæge, from Old English Norþweġ, a calque of Old Norse Norðvegr (“north way”), from norðr (“north”) + vegr (“way”), contrasted with suðrvegr (“south way”), i.e.
Words that rhyme with Norway
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of Norway.
Questions about saying Norway
How do you pronounce Norway?
Say NOR-way. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɔrˌweɪ/. In British English it is /ˈnɔːˌweɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Norway?
Norway has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOR). Broken into parts: NOR · way.
Is Norway 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 /ˈnɔːˌweɪ/ (NAW-way).