How to pronounce reward
Say it like rih-WORD. Reward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (WORD).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reward. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- WORD
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reward 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.
- WORDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of reward
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: rih-WAWD.
What does reward mean?
- a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing“the wages of sin is death”“virtue is its own reward”
- payment made in return for a service rendered
- an act performed to strengthen approved behavior
- bestow honor or rewards upon“Today we honor our soldiers”“The scout was rewarded for courageous action”
- strengthen and support with rewards“Let's reinforce good behavior”
- act or give recompense in recognition of someone's behavior or actions
Where does reward come from?
Mostly displaced Old English mēd, whence Modern English meed.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with reward
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of reward.
Questions about saying reward
How do you pronounce reward?
Say rih-WORD. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈwɔrd/. In British English it is /rɪˈwɔːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reward?
Reward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (WORD). Broken into parts: rih · WORD.
Is reward 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 /rɪˈwɔːd/ (rih-WAWD).