pronunciation

noun

pro·​nun·​ci·​a·​tion prə-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce pronunciation (audio)
 also nonstandard  -ˌnau̇n(t)-
: the act or manner of pronouncing something
pronunciational adjective

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Is it 'pronunciation' or 'pronounciation'?

Among the various letters and emails we receive from correspondents asking for pronunciation help are a number in which pronunciation is spelled pronounciation. The confusion is understandable: the verb is pronounce, so why shouldn’t the noun be pronounciation? Both the noun and verb come ultimately from the Latin verb pronuntiare. But when the Latin verb was taken into Anglo-French and later entered Middle English, that second vowel was sometimes rendered as -u- and sometimes rendered as -ou-. This means that, from about the 1500s onward, we see evidence of both pronounciation and pronunciation in the written record. Eventually, the noun standardized to pronunciation, but because of influence from pronounce, we occasionally still see pronounciation in print, and encounter a corresponding pronunciation for pronounciation (\pruh-nown-see-AY-shun\). These facts notwithstanding, the pronounciation spelling and the pronunciation that goes with it are not considered a part of standard English, and may open one criticism or questioning.

Examples of pronunciation in a Sentence

What is the correct pronunciation of his name? I haven't learned proper pronunciation of French words.
Recent Examples on the Web So Peterson crafted a vocabulary and pronunciations that could actually be used by actors including Chalamet, Zendaya, and Javier Bardem (who returns as the Fremen leader Stilgar). EW.com, 20 Feb. 2024 The city has asked translators to furnish names that are transliterated, a process that more closely approximates English pronunciations. Amy Qin, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2024 My mouth is sore, and my pronunciation of certain words is slightly off. Theresa Vargas, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2024 After a clip of Travis clarifying the pronunciation made its rounds on social media, some of his teammates shared their reactions — including Jones. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 27 Jan. 2024 Not magic, just a friendly old lady who runs the import store and compliments my pronunciation. Kanyakrit Vongkiatkajorn, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2024 The program makes occasional mistakes — a running joke concerns the pronunciation of Shia LaBeouf — that the artists cherish. Michael Paulson, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2024 In a video shared by the NFL on Instagram, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones can be seen discussing the correct pronunciation of the tight end’s surname while keeping warm on the sidelines. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 27 Jan. 2024 The Wonka star, 28, revealed the true pronunciation of his first name on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 2 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pronunciation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pronunciacion, from Anglo-French pronunciation, from Latin pronuntiation-, pronuntiatio, from pronuntiare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pronunciation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near pronunciation

Cite this Entry

“Pronunciation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pronunciation. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pronunciation

noun
pro·​nun·​ci·​a·​tion prə-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce pronunciation (audio)
: the act or way of pronouncing a word or words
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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