How to pronounce overlord
Say it like OH-ver-lord. Overlord has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce overlord. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OH
- ver
- lord
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Overlord pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- lordGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of overlord
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: OH-vuh-lawd.
What does overlord mean?
- A ruler of other rulers.“The various tribal chieftains met each spring to elect an overlord that would lead them in time of war.”
- Anyone with overarching power or authority in a given domain.“The crusty old professor was overlord of the history department, and few dared to cross his will.”
- To rule over; to domineer.
Where does overlord come from?
From Middle English oferrlaferrd, orlard, our-lord, ouyr-lord, equivalent to over- + lord.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying overlord
How do you pronounce overlord?
Say OH-ver-lord. The American pronunciation is /ˈoʊvɚˌlɔrd/. In British English it is /ˈəʊvəˌlɔːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in overlord?
Overlord has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OH). Broken into parts: OH · ver · lord.
Is overlord 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 /ˈəʊvəˌlɔːd/ (OH-vuh-lawd).