How to pronounce wheelchair
Say it like WEEL-chair. Wheelchair has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WEEL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce wheelchair. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WEEL
- chair
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Wheelchair pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WEELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- chairGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of wheelchair
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: WEEL-chair.
What does wheelchair mean?
- a movable chair mounted on large wheels; for invalids or those who cannot walk; frequently propelled by the occupant
Where does wheelchair come from?
From wheel + chair.
Questions about saying wheelchair
How do you pronounce wheelchair?
Say WEEL-chair. The American pronunciation is /ˈwilˌtʃɛr/. In British English it is /ˈwiːlˌtʃɛə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in wheelchair?
Wheelchair has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WEEL). Broken into parts: WEEL · chair.
Is wheelchair 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 /ˈwiːlˌtʃɛə/ (WEEL-chair).