How to Pronounce “boulevard”

American (US)

/ˈbʊ.lə.vɑɹd/

British (UK)

/ˈbuː.ləˌvɑːd/

noun — A broad, well-paved and landscaped thoroughfare.

Example: We live on Sunset Boulevard.

Where the stress falls. “boulevard” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈbʊ.lə.vɑɹd/ 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. /ˈbʊ.lə.vɑɹd/ 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 "boulevard" mean?

boulevard (noun): A broad, well-paved and landscaped thoroughfare. For example — We live on Sunset Boulevard.

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

American English: /ˈbʊ.lə.vɑɹd/. British English: /ˈbuː.ləˌvɑːd/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "boulevard"?

/ˈbʊ.lə.vɑɹd/ in American English, /ˈbuː.ləˌvɑːd/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "boulevard"?

“boulevard” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈbʊ.lə.vɑɹd/ 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.