How to pronounce primer
Say it like PRY-mer. Primer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce primer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PRY
- mer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Primer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PRYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- merKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of primer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PRY-muh.
What does primer mean?
- an introductory textbook
- any igniter that is used to initiate the burning of a propellant
- the first or preliminary coat of paint or size applied to a surface
Where does primer come from?
From Middle English primer, primere, from Medieval Latin primarius and primarium (“prayer book”) possibly via Anglo-Norman primer (“prayer book”), from prima (“prime the liturgical hour and office”) + -arius and -arium (suffix forming related objects).
Words that rhyme with primer
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of primer.
Questions about saying primer
How do you pronounce primer?
Say PRY-mer. The American pronunciation is /ˈpraɪmɚ/. In British English it is /ˈpraɪmə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in primer?
Primer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRY). Broken into parts: PRY · mer.
Is primer 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 /ˈpraɪmə/ (PRY-muh).