How to pronounce pensioner
Say it like PEN-shuh-ner. Pensioner has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pensioner. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PEN
- shuh
- ner
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pensioner pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of pensioner
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PEN-shuh-nuh.
What does pensioner mean?
- Someone who lives on a pension, especially the retirement or old age pension.
- Someone who is at the age at which one typically receives a pension; an elderly person.
Where does pensioner come from?
From Middle English pensioner, from Anglo-Norman pensionner and Old French pensionnier, from Medieval Latin pēnsiōnārius.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying pensioner
How do you pronounce pensioner?
Say PEN-shuh-ner. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛnʃənɚ/. In British English it is /ˈpɛnʃənə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pensioner?
Pensioner has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEN). Broken into parts: PEN · shuh · ner.
Is pensioner 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 /ˈpɛnʃənə/ (PEN-shuh-nuh).