How to Pronounce “leisure”

American (US)

/ˈliːʒər/

British (UK)

/ˈlɛʒə/

Australian (AU)

/ˈlɛʒə(ɹ)/

noun — Time free from work, available for rest or enjoyment.

Example: He reads history in his leisure time.

Synonyms: free time, recreation

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

Where the stress falls. “leisure” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈliːʒər/ 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. /ˈliːʒər/ 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 "leisure" mean?

leisure (noun): Time free from work, available for rest or enjoyment. For example — He reads history in his leisure time.

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

American English: /ˈliːʒər/. British English: /ˈlɛʒə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "leisure"?

/ˈliːʒər/ in American English, /ˈlɛʒə/ in British English, /ˈlɛʒə(ɹ)/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "leisure"?

“leisure” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈliːʒər/ 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.

• US vs UK vowel words