How to pronounce searchlight
Say it like SURCH-lyte. Searchlight has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SURCH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce searchlight. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SURCH
- lyte
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Searchlight pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SURCHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- lyteGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of searchlight
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SURCH-lyte.
What does searchlight mean?
- A light source that projects a bright beam of light in any direction, generally for military use.
- The light from the above source.
- To scan or sweep across like a searchlight.
Where does searchlight come from?
From search + light. Compare West Frisian sykljocht (“searchlight”), Dutch zoeklicht (“searchlight”), Danish søgelys (“searchlight”), Swedish sökarljus (“searchlight”).
Questions about saying searchlight
How do you pronounce searchlight?
Say SURCH-lyte. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɝtʃˌlaɪt/. In British English it is /ˈsɜːtʃˌlaɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in searchlight?
Searchlight has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SURCH). Broken into parts: SURCH · lyte.
Is searchlight 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 /ˈsɜːtʃˌlaɪt/ (SURCH-lyte).