How to pronounce outlay
Say it like OWT-lay. Outlay has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OWT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce outlay. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OWT
- lay
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Outlay pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OWTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- layGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of outlay
American and British speakers say outlay in essentially the same way: /ˈaʊtˌleɪ/ in the US and /ˈaʊtˌleɪ/ in the UK.
British respelling: OWT-lay.
What does outlay mean?
- A laying out or expending; that which is laid out or expended.
- The spending of money, or an expenditure.“Without too much outlay, you could buy a second-hand car.”
- To lay or spread out; expose; display.
- To spend, or distribute money.
Where does outlay come from?
From out- + lay.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying outlay
How do you pronounce outlay?
Say OWT-lay. The American pronunciation is /ˈaʊtˌleɪ/. In British English it is /ˈaʊtˌleɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in outlay?
Outlay has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OWT). Broken into parts: OWT · lay.
Do Americans and Brits say outlay the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈaʊtˌleɪ/ and the British form is /ˈaʊtˌleɪ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.