How to pronounce vicar
Say it like VIK-er. Vicar has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VIK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vicar. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VIK
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vicar pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VIKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of vicar
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: VIK-uh.
What does vicar mean?
- In the Church of England, the priest of a parish, receiving a salary or stipend but not tithes.
- In the Roman Catholic and some other churches, a cleric acting as local representative of a higher ranking member of the clergy.
- A person acting on behalf of, or representing, another person.
Where does vicar come from?
From Middle English vicar, viker, vikyr, vicaire, vicare, a borrowing from Anglo-Norman vikare, vicare, vikaire, vikere and Old French vicaire (“deputy, second in command”), from Latin vicārius (“vicarious, substitute”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with vicar
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of vicar.
Questions about saying vicar
How do you pronounce vicar?
Say VIK-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɪkɚ/. In British English it is /ˈvɪkə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vicar?
Vicar has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VIK). Broken into parts: VIK · er.
Is vicar 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 /ˈvɪkə/ (VIK-uh).