How to pronounce ordinance
Say it like OR-duh-nuns. Ordinance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ordinance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OR
- duh
- nuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ordinance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of ordinance
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AW-dih-nuns.
What does ordinance mean?
- an authoritative rule
- a statute enacted by a city government
- the act of ordaining; the act of conferring (or receiving) holy orders“the rabbi's family was present for his ordination”
Where does ordinance come from?
From Middle English ordinaunce (ca.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying ordinance
How do you pronounce ordinance?
Say OR-duh-nuns. The American pronunciation is /ˈɔrdənəns/. In British English it is /ˈɔːdɪnəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ordinance?
Ordinance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OR). Broken into parts: OR · duh · nuns.
Is ordinance 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 /ˈɔːdɪnəns/ (AW-dih-nuns).