How to pronounce reservation
Say it like rez-er-VAY-shun. Reservation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (VAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reservation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rez
- er
- VAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reservation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rezGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- VAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of reservation
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: rez-uh-VAY-shun.
What does reservation mean?
- a district that is reserved for particular purpose
- a statement that limits or restricts some claim“he recommended her without any reservations”
- an unstated doubt that prevents you from accepting something wholeheartedly
Where does reservation come from?
From Middle French reservation, equivalent to reserve + -ation.
Words that rhyme with reservation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of reservation.
Questions about saying reservation
How do you pronounce reservation?
Say rez-er-VAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌrɛzɚˈveɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌrɛzəˈveɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reservation?
Reservation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (VAY). Broken into parts: rez · er · VAY · shun.
Is reservation 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 /ˌrɛzəˈveɪʃən/ (rez-uh-VAY-shun).