How to pronounce sergeant
Say it like SAR-junt. Sergeant has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAR).
- SAR
- junt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: The er is said 'ar': 'SAR-junt'.
Sergeant pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- juntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of sergeant
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SAH-junt.
What does sergeant mean?
- A UK army rank with NATO code OR-6, senior to corporal and junior to warrant officer ranks.
- The highest rank of noncommissioned officer in some non-naval military forces and police.
- A bailiff.
Where does sergeant come from?
The pronunciation with /ɑɹ/ is due to a widespread development of Middle English er + consonant (see barn, start etc.).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with sergeant
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sergeant.
Words that sound like sergeant
- Sargent
- sgt
Questions about saying sergeant
How do you pronounce sergeant?
Say SAR-junt. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɑrdʒənt/. In British English it is /ˈsɑːdʒənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sergeant?
Sergeant has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAR). Broken into parts: SAR · junt.
Is sergeant 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 /ˈsɑːdʒənt/ (SAH-junt).
What words sound the same as sergeant?
Sergeant sounds the same as Sargent, sgt in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.