How to pronounce reindeer
Say it like RAYN-deer. Reindeer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reindeer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RAYN
- deer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reindeer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- deerGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of reindeer
- American English uses 2 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: RAYN-dee-uh.
What does reindeer mean?
- Any Arctic and subarctic-dwelling deer of the species Rangifer tarandus, with a number of subspecies.“Santa Claus' sleigh is supposedly pulled by nine reindeer”
- Any species, subspecies, ecotype, or other scientific grouping of such animals.
- To herd or farm reindeer
Where does reindeer come from?
From Middle English reyndere, reynder, rayne-dere, from Old Norse hreindýri (“reindeer”), from hreinn (“reindeer”) + dýr (“animal”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying reindeer
How do you pronounce reindeer?
Say RAYN-deer. The American pronunciation is /ˈreɪnˌdɪr/. In British English it is /ˈreɪndiə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reindeer?
Reindeer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAYN). Broken into parts: RAYN · deer.
Is reindeer pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 2 syllables and British English 3. The British form is /ˈreɪndiə/ (RAYN-dee-uh).