How to pronounce orphanage
Say it like OR-fuh-nuj. Orphanage 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 orphanage. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OR
- fuh
- nuj
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Orphanage 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.
- fuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nujKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of orphanage
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AW-fuh-nuj.
What does orphanage mean?
- A residential institution for the care and protection of orphans.
Where does orphanage come from?
Attested since the 1570s; orphan + -age.
Questions about saying orphanage
How do you pronounce orphanage?
Say OR-fuh-nuj. The American pronunciation is /ˈɔrfənədʒ/. In British English it is /ˈɔːfənədʒ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in orphanage?
Orphanage has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OR). Broken into parts: OR · fuh · nuj.
Is orphanage 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 /ˈɔːfənədʒ/ (AW-fuh-nuj).