How to pronounce valley
Say it like VAL-ee. Valley has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VAL).
- VAL
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Valley pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of valley
American and British speakers say valley in essentially the same way: /ˈvæli/ in the US and /ˈvæli/ in the UK.
British respelling: VAL-ee.
What does valley mean?
- An elongated depression cast between hills or mountains, often with a river flowing through it.“The Indus River valley was the site of an ancient civilization.”
- An area which drains itself into a river.
- Any structure resembling one, e.g. the interior angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
- To form the shape of a valley.
Where does valley come from?
From Middle English valeye, valey, from Anglo-Norman valey, Old French valee (compare French vallée), from Latin vallēs/vallis.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with valley
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of valley.
Words that sound like valley
- valli
Questions about saying valley
How do you pronounce valley?
Say VAL-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈvæli/. In British English it is /ˈvæli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in valley?
Valley has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VAL). Broken into parts: VAL · ee.
Do Americans and Brits say valley the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈvæli/ and the British form is /ˈvæli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as valley?
Valley sounds the same as valli in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.