How to pronounce premier
Say it like preh-MEER. Premier has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MEER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce premier. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- preh
- MEER
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Premier pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- prehKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- MEERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of premier
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PREM-eer.
What does premier mean?
- the person who holds the position of head of the government in the United Kingdom
- the person who is head of government (in several countries)
- be performed for the first time“We premiered the opera of the young composer and it was a critical success”
- perform a work for the first time
- first in rank or degree“an architect of premier rank”“the prime minister”
- preceding all others in time“the premiere showing”
Where does premier come from?
Borrowed from Middle French premier (adjective), from Latin prīmārius.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with premier
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of premier.
Words that sound like premier
Questions about saying premier
How do you pronounce premier?
Say preh-MEER. The American pronunciation is /prɛˈmɪr/. In British English it is /ˈprɛmɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in premier?
Premier has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MEER). Broken into parts: preh · MEER.
Is premier pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1. The British form is /ˈprɛmɪə/ (PREM-eer).
What words sound the same as premier?
Premier sounds the same as premiere in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.