How to pronounce sailor
Say it like SAY-ler. Sailor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sailor. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SAY
- ler
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sailor pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- lerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of sailor
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SAY-luh.
What does sailor mean?
- any member of a ship's crew
- a serviceman in the navy
- a stiff hat made of straw with a flat crown
Where does sailor come from?
Alteration of earlier sailer, from Middle English sailer, sayler, saylere, equivalent to sail + -or.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with sailor
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sailor.
Questions about saying sailor
How do you pronounce sailor?
Say SAY-ler. The American pronunciation is /ˈseɪlɚ/. In British English it is /ˈseɪlə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sailor?
Sailor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAY). Broken into parts: SAY · ler.
Is sailor 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 /ˈseɪlə/ (SAY-luh).