How to Pronounce “McDonald's”

American (US)

/mɪkˈdɑnəldz/

British (UK)

/məkˈdɒnəldz/

proper noun — A widespread chain of fast food restaurants.

Where the stress falls. “McDonald's” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /mɪkˈdɑnəldz/ 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. /mɪkˈdɑnəldz/ 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 "McDonald's" mean?

McDonald's (proper noun): A widespread chain of fast food restaurants.

How do you pronounce "McDonald's" in American vs British English?

American English: /mɪkˈdɑnəldz/. British English: /məkˈdɒnəldz/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "McDonald's"?

/mɪkˈdɑnəldz/ in American English, /məkˈdɒnəldz/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "McDonald's"?

“McDonald's” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /mɪkˈdɑnəldz/ 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.