How to pronounce veteran
Say it like VET-uh-run. Veteran has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce veteran. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VET
- uh
- run
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Veteran pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- runKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of veteran
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: VET-uh-run.
What does veteran mean?
- a serviceman who has seen considerable active service“the veterans laughed at the new recruits”
- a person who has served in the armed forces
- an experienced person who has been through many battles; someone who has given long service
- rendered competent through trial and experience“a seasoned traveler”“veteran steadiness”
Where does veteran come from?
Borrowed from Middle French vétéran, from Latin veterānus.
Questions about saying veteran
How do you pronounce veteran?
Say VET-uh-run. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɛtərən/. In British English it is /ˈvɛtərən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in veteran?
Veteran has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VET). Broken into parts: VET · uh · run.
Is veteran pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈvɛtərən/ (VET-uh-run).