How to pronounce privateer
Say it like pry-vuh-TIH-er. Privateer has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TIH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce privateer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pry
- vuh
- TIH
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Privateer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pryGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- vuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TIHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of privateer
- American English uses 4 syllables and British English 3.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: pry-vuh-TEER.
What does privateer mean?
- An advocate or beneficiary of privatization of a government service or activity.
- A private individual entrant into a race or competition who does not have the backing of a large, professional team.
- A racing team that is not a subsidiary of a large conglomerate, or automotive or vehicle manufacturer.
- To function under official sanction permitting attacks on enemy shipping and seizing ship and cargo; to engage in government-sponsored piracy.
- To advocate or benefit from privatization of government services.
Where does privateer come from?
From private + -eer probably after volunteer, shortened from the original term "private man-of-war".
Words that rhyme with privateer
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of privateer.
Questions about saying privateer
How do you pronounce privateer?
Say pry-vuh-TIH-er. The American pronunciation is /ˌpraɪvəˈtɪɚ/. In British English it is /ˌpraɪvəˈtɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in privateer?
Privateer has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TIH). Broken into parts: pry · vuh · TIH · er.
Is privateer pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 4 syllables and British English 3. The British form is /ˌpraɪvəˈtɪə/ (pry-vuh-TEER).