How to Pronounce “Nevada”

American (US)

/nəˈvædə/

British (UK)

/nɪˈvɑːdə/

proper noun — A state in the western United States. Capital: Carson City. Largest city: Las Vegas.

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

Nevada (proper noun): A state in the western United States. Capital: Carson City. Largest city: Las Vegas.

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

American English: /nəˈvædə/. British English: /nɪˈvɑːdə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "Nevada"?

/nəˈvædə/ in American English, /nɪˈvɑːdə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Nevada"?

“Nevada” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /nəˈvædə/ 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.

• US place names