How to pronounce pioneer
Say it like py-uh-NEER. Pioneer has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NEER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pioneer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- py
- uh
- NEER
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pioneer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pyGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- NEERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of pioneer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: py-uh-NEER.
What does pioneer mean?
- open up an area or prepare a way“She pioneered a graduate program for women students”
- take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of“This South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants”
- open up and explore a new area“pioneer space”
- someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art
- one of the first colonists or settlers in a new territory“they went west as pioneers with only the possessions they could carry with them”
Where does pioneer come from?
From Middle French pionnier (“originally, a foot soldier”), Old French peonier, from peon (“a foot soldier”) (modern French: pion).
Words that rhyme with pioneer
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of pioneer.
Questions about saying pioneer
How do you pronounce pioneer?
Say py-uh-NEER. The American pronunciation is /ˌpaɪəˈnɪr/. In British English it is /ˌpaɪəˈnɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pioneer?
Pioneer has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NEER). Broken into parts: py · uh · NEER.
Is pioneer 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 /ˌpaɪəˈnɪə/ (py-uh-NEER).