How to pronounce zesty
Say it like ZES-tee. Zesty has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce zesty. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ZES
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Zesty pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ZESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of zesty
American and British speakers say zesty in essentially the same way: /ˈzɛsti/ in the US and /ˈzɛsti/ in the UK.
British respelling: ZES-tee.
What does zesty mean?
- Having a piquant or pungent taste; spicy.
- Zestful.
- (of a man) Flamboyantly or effeminately gay.
Where does zesty come from?
From zest + -y.
Words that rhyme with zesty
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of zesty.
Questions about saying zesty
How do you pronounce zesty?
Say ZES-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˈzɛsti/. In British English it is /ˈzɛsti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in zesty?
Zesty has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZES). Broken into parts: ZES · tee.
Do Americans and Brits say zesty the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈzɛsti/ and the British form is /ˈzɛsti/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.