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
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This eight-week class, with lessons on English grammar, pronunciation and idioms, is for adult (18 years and older) intermediate and advanced English learners who can have a conversation in English but want to improve their pronunciation and comprehension. Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025 Training includes varietal pronunciation, flavor notes and food pairing suggestions. Rachel King, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Babbel’s speech recognition technology gives you real-time feedback to improve pronunciation. Donna Enzmann, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 If their tenses, verbs, or pronunciation are off, don't jump to correct or criticize them. Holly Garcia, Parents, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pronunciation

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

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Cite this Entry

“Pronunciation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pronunciation. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on pronunciation

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