How to pronounce reserve
Say it like rih-ZURV. Reserve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZURV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reserve. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- ZURV
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reserve pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ZURVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of reserve
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: rih-ZURV.
What does reserve mean?
- formality and propriety of manner
- something kept back or saved for future use or a special purpose
- an athlete who plays only when a starter on the team is replaced
- hold back or set aside, especially for future use or contingency“they held back their applause in anticipation”
- give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause“I will earmark this money for your research”“She sets aside time for meditation every day”
- obtain or arrange (for oneself) in advance“We managed to reserve a table at Maxim's”
Where does reserve come from?
From Old French reserver, from Latin reservō (“to reserve, retain”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with reserve
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of reserve.
Questions about saying reserve
How do you pronounce reserve?
Say rih-ZURV. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈzɝv/. In British English it is /rɪˈzɜːv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reserve?
Reserve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZURV). Broken into parts: rih · ZURV.
Is reserve 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 /rɪˈzɜːv/ (rih-ZURV).