How to Pronounce “battalion”

American (US)

/bəˈtæl.jən/

British (UK)

/bəˈtæl.i.ən/

noun — An army unit having two or more companies, etc. and a headquarters. Traditionally forming part of a regiment.

Where the stress falls. “battalion” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /bəˈtæl.jən/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /bəˈtæl.jən/ 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 "battalion" mean?

battalion (noun): An army unit having two or more companies, etc. and a headquarters. Traditionally forming part of a regiment.

How do you pronounce "battalion" in American vs British English?

American English: /bəˈtæl.jən/. British English: /bəˈtæl.i.ən/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "battalion"?

/bəˈtæl.jən/ in American English, /bəˈtæl.i.ən/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "battalion"?

“battalion” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /bəˈtæl.jən/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.