How to pronounce prisoner
Say it like PRIZ-uh-ner. Prisoner has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRIZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce prisoner. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PRIZ
- uh
- ner
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Prisoner pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PRIZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of prisoner
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PRIZ-uh-nuh.
What does prisoner mean?
- a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
Where does prisoner come from?
From Middle English prisoner, from Old French prisonier (compare Medieval Latin prisōnārius), equivalent to prison + -er.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying prisoner
How do you pronounce prisoner?
Say PRIZ-uh-ner. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɪzənɚ/. In British English it is /ˈprɪzənə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in prisoner?
Prisoner has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRIZ). Broken into parts: PRIZ · uh · ner.
Is prisoner 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 /ˈprɪzənə/ (PRIZ-uh-nuh).