How to pronounce rearguard
Say it like REER-gard. Rearguard has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rearguard. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- REER
- gard
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rearguard pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- REERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- gardGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of rearguard
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: REER-gahd.
What does rearguard mean?
- The rearmost part of a force, especially a detachment of troops that protect the rear of a retreating force.
- The defense, collectively the defenders.
Where does rearguard come from?
From Middle English rier garde, from Anglo-Norman reregard, reregarde, rereguarde and Middle French rieregarde, from Old French rereguarde (attested in The Song of Roland, c.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying rearguard
How do you pronounce rearguard?
Say REER-gard. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɪrˌɡɑrd/. In British English it is /ˈrɪəˌɡɑːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rearguard?
Rearguard has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REER). Broken into parts: REER · gard.
Is rearguard 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 /ˈrɪəˌɡɑːd/ (REER-gahd).