pronounce

play

verb pro·nounce \prə-ˈnau̇n(t)s\

Definition of pronounce

pronounced

;

pronouncing

transitive verb
1 : to declare officially or ceremoniously the minister pronounced them husband and wife
2 : to declare authoritatively or as an opinion doctors pronounced him fit to resume duties
3a : to employ the organs of speech to produce pronounce these words; especially : to say correctly I can't pronounce his nameb : to represent in printed characters the spoken counterpart of (an orthographic representation) both dictionaries pronounce clique the same
4 : recite speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you — William Shakespeare
intransitive verb
1 : to pass judgment
2 : to produce the components of spoken language

pronounceability

play \-ˌnau̇n(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

pronounceable

play \-ˈnau̇n(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective

pronouncer

noun

See pronounce defined for English-language learners

See pronounce defined for kids

Examples of pronounce in a Sentence

She practices pronouncing foreign words.
I'm sorry. I can't pronounce your name.
The priest pronounced a blessing on their home.
The doctors pronounced him fit to go back to work.
He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Many senators are pronouncing in favor of the bill.
The judge pronounced for the defendant.

Recent Examples of pronounce from the Web

The motorcyclist was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

— dana hedgpeth, Washington Post, "New Carrollton man dies in motorcycle and vehicle collision in Maryland," 20 July 2017
All three were taken to Stroger Hospital, where Hunter was pronounced dead.

— chicago tribune staff, chicagotribune.com, "Man shot to death in attack that wounded 2 others is identified," 18 July 2017
Police said the Rev. Coleman was taken to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead due to injuries received in the crash.

— jennie key, Cincinnati.com, "Driver in crash that killed Father Coleman identified by police," 17 July 2017
Russell was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

— glenn e. rice, kansascity, "Leavenworth man charged in fatal two-vehicle wreck," 14 July 2017
Jackson was taken by ambulance to the Coosa Valley Medical Center Emergency Department, where he was pronounced dead.

— jonece starr dunigan, AL.com, "Man dies after being Tased by Sylacauga police officer," 13 July 2017
Falling crop yields and labour productivity, and rising mortality and crime, are expected to be especially pronounced in America’s hot southern counties, where incomes are below the national average.

— The Economist, "Free exchangeClimate change and inequality," 13 July 2017
He was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.

— paula rogo, Essence.com, "7 Things To Know About Bakari Henderson's Killing In Greece," 13 July 2017
He was pronounced dead at the University of Kansas Hospital.

— audra d.s. burch, New York Times, "He Became a Hate Crime Victim. She Became a Widow.," 8 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pronounce.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of pronounce

Middle English, from Anglo-French pronuncier, from Latin pronuntiare, from pro- forth + nuntiare to report, from nuntius messenger — more at pro-

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

PRONOUNCE Defined for English Language Learners

pronounce

play

verb

Definition of pronounce for English Language Learners

: to make the sound of (a word or letter) with your voice
: to say or speak (a word) correctly
: to say or announce (something) in an official or formal way

PRONOUNCE Defined for Kids

pronounce

play

verb pro·nounce \prə-ˈnau̇ns\

Definition of pronounce for Students

pronounced

;

pronouncing

1 : to use the voice to make the sounds of He practiced pronouncing Spanish words.
2 : to say correctly I can't pronounce your name.
3 : to state in an official or solemn way The judge pronounced sentence.