How to Pronounce “Melbourne”

American (US)

/ˈmelbərn/

British (UK)

/ˈmelbən/

proper noun — The capital city of Victoria, Australia and former capital of Australia (1901–1927).

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

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

Melbourne (proper noun): The capital city of Victoria, Australia and former capital of Australia (1901–1927).

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

American English: /ˈmelbərn/. British English: /ˈmelbən/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "Melbourne"?

/ˈmelbərn/ in American English, /ˈmelbən/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Melbourne"?

“Melbourne” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈmelbərn/ 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.