How to Pronounce “clientele”

American (US)

/ˌklaɪənˈtel/

British (UK)

/ˌkliːɒnˈtel/

noun — The customers of a business, considered collectively.

Example: The shop has a loyal local clientele.

Synonyms: customers, patrons

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˌklaɪənˈtel/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “clientele” is not pronounced.

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

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌklaɪənˈtel/ 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 "clientele" mean?

clientele (noun): The customers of a business, considered collectively. For example — The shop has a loyal local clientele.

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

American English: /ˌklaɪənˈtel/. British English: /ˌkliːɒnˈtel/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "clientele"?

/ˌklaɪənˈtel/ in American English, /ˌkliːɒnˈtel/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "clientele"?

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

• Business English words