How to pronounce sprain
Say it like SPRAYN. Sprain is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sprain. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SPRAYN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sprain pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SPRAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of sprain
American and British speakers say sprain in essentially the same way: /spreɪn/ in the US and /spreɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: SPRAYN.
What does sprain mean?
- To weaken, as a joint, ligament, or muscle, by sudden and excessive exertion, as by wrenching; to overstrain, or stretch injuriously, but without luxation“He sprained his knee after falling off the bicycle.”
- The act or result of spraining; lameness caused by spraining“a bad sprain of the wrist”
Where does sprain come from?
Origin unknown. Noun attested since 1601; verb attested 1622.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with sprain
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sprain.
Questions about saying sprain
How do you pronounce sprain?
Say SPRAYN. The American pronunciation is /spreɪn/. In British English it is /spreɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sprain?
Sprain is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SPRAYN.
Do Americans and Brits say sprain the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /spreɪn/ and the British form is /spreɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.