How to Pronounce “Alzheimer's”

American (US)

/ˈɑːltʃəmərz/

British (UK)

/ˈæltshaɪməz/

noun — Ellipsis of Alzheimer's disease.

Where the stress falls. “Alzheimer's” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɑːltʃəmərz/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈɑːltʃəmərz/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "Alzheimer's" mean?

Alzheimer's (noun): Ellipsis of Alzheimer's disease.

How do you pronounce "Alzheimer's" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈɑːltʃəmərz/. British English: /ˈæltshaɪməz/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "Alzheimer's"?

/ˈɑːltʃəmərz/ in American English, /ˈæltshaɪməz/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Alzheimer's"?

“Alzheimer's” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɑːltʃəmərz/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.