How to pronounce zebra
Say it like ZEE-bruh. Zebra has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZEE).
- ZEE
- bruh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Americans say 'ZEE-bruh'; Britons usually say 'ZEB-ruh'.
Zebra pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ZEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- bruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of zebra
American and British speakers say zebra in essentially the same way: /ˈzibrə/ in the US and /ˈzɛbrə/ in the UK.
British respelling: ZEB-ruh.
What does zebra mean?
- Any of three species of subgenus Hippotigris: Equus grevyi, Equus quagga, or Equus zebra, all with black and white stripes and native to Africa.
- A referee.
- An unlikely diagnosis, especially for symptoms probably caused by a common ailment.
Where does zebra come from?
(referee): In reference to the black and white striped shirts they wear.
Words that rhyme with zebra
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of zebra.
Questions about saying zebra
How do you pronounce zebra?
Say ZEE-bruh. The American pronunciation is /ˈzibrə/. In British English it is /ˈzɛbrə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in zebra?
Zebra has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZEE). Broken into parts: ZEE · bruh.
Do Americans and Brits say zebra the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈzibrə/ and the British form is /ˈzɛbrə/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.