How to pronounce pirouette
Say it like pir-uh-WET. Pirouette has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (WET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pirouette. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pir
- uh
- WET
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pirouette pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pirGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- WETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of pirouette
American and British speakers say pirouette in essentially the same way: /ˌpɪrəˈwɛt/ in the US and /ˌpɪrʊˈɛt/ in the UK.
British respelling: pir-uh-ET.
What does pirouette mean?
- A whirling or turning on the toes in dancing, primarily in ballet.
- The whirling about of a horse.
- A wooden mouthpiece assembly or lip rest used in some European double-reed instruments.
- To perform a pirouette; to whirl on the toes, like a dancer.
Where does pirouette come from?
Borrowed from French pirouette, see there for more; attested since 1706.
Words that rhyme with pirouette
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of pirouette.
Questions about saying pirouette
How do you pronounce pirouette?
Say pir-uh-WET. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɪrəˈwɛt/. In British English it is /ˌpɪrʊˈɛt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pirouette?
Pirouette has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (WET). Broken into parts: pir · uh · WET.
Do Americans and Brits say pirouette the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌpɪrəˈwɛt/ and the British form is /ˌpɪrʊˈɛt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.