How to pronounce Orleans
Say it like OR-lee-unz. Orleans 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 Orleans. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OR
- lee
- unz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Orleans 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.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- unzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Orleans
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AW-lee-unz.
What does Orleans mean?
- A city, the capital of Loiret department, France; the regional capital of Centre-Val de Loire.
Where does Orleans come from?
From French Orléans, ultimately from Latin Aurelianum, from the name of the Roman emperor Aurelian, who rebuilt the city.
Questions about saying Orleans
How do you pronounce Orleans?
Say OR-lee-unz. The American pronunciation is /ˈɔrliənz/. In British English it is /ˈɔːliənz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Orleans?
Orleans has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OR). Broken into parts: OR · lee · unz.
Is Orleans 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 /ˈɔːliənz/ (AW-lee-unz).