noun

pronunciation

pruh-nun-see-AY-shun/prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃn/

The way a word or sound is spoken.

The speaker practices the pronunciation of cat while the listener pays attention.

An adult speaker and attentive listener practice the way a word is spoken, a single small functional card reads only “cat”; focus clear articulating mouth, no phonetic explanation.

Etymology

proLatinforth, out

+nunciLatinannounce

+ationLatinact or process

The pieces form an action noun connected with announcing or speaking out. The selected meaning focuses not simply on the act of speaking, but on how a word is sounded.

In context

linguamarina11:13

improve your enunciation and pronunciation. Many students think they just need to repeat the sentences. While that's true, if you speak in an unclear way, mispronounce some words, or have unclear intonation

TOEFL Speaking 2026 (Listen and repeat & Take an interview) Full guide and templates

More examples

Could you teach me the pronunciation of your name?
Both pronunciations of that word are common.
Listening to native speakers helps me improve my pronunciation.

Forms

pronunciation · pronunciations

pronounce verb — To say a word or sound.

mispronunciation noun — An incorrect way of saying a word.

Similar words

articulation: Focuses on physically forming speech sounds, especially clearly and distinctly.
enunciation: Emphasizes clear delivery rather than which sounds a word contains.