How to Pronounce “Cadillac”

American (US)

/ˈkædəˌlæk/

British (UK)

/ˈkædɪlæk/

proper noun — A brand of luxury automobile (founded as an independent but since 1909 a marque of General Motors).

Where the stress falls. “Cadillac” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkædəˌlæk/ 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. /ˈkædəˌlæk/ 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 "Cadillac" mean?

Cadillac (proper noun): A brand of luxury automobile (founded as an independent but since 1909 a marque of General Motors).

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

American English: /ˈkædəˌlæk/. British English: /ˈkædɪlæk/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "Cadillac"?

/ˈkædəˌlæk/ in American English, /ˈkædɪlæk/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Cadillac"?

“Cadillac” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkædəˌlæk/ 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.