How to pronounce pillar
Say it like PIL-er. Pillar has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pillar. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PIL
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pillar pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of pillar
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PIL-uh.
What does pillar mean?
- a fundamental principle or practice“science eroded the pillars of superstition”
- anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower“the test tube held a column of white powder”“a tower of dust rose above the horizon”
- a prominent supporter“he is a pillar of the community”
Where does pillar come from?
From Middle English piler, from Old French pilier, from Medieval Latin or Vulgar Latin *pilāre (“a pillar”), from Latin pila (“a pillar, pier, mole”).
Words that rhyme with pillar
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of pillar.
Questions about saying pillar
How do you pronounce pillar?
Say PIL-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɪlɚ/. In British English it is /ˈpɪlə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pillar?
Pillar has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIL). Broken into parts: PIL · er.
Is pillar 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 /ˈpɪlə/ (PIL-uh).