How to Pronounce Cavalier

To pronounce "cavalier", say CAV-al-ier — 3 syllables, IPA /ˌkævəˈlɪəɹ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

cavalier

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˌkævəˈlɪəɹ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “cavalier”

"cavalier" has 3 syllables: cav-al-ier. It rhymes with austere and sneer, if that helps it stick.

What does cavalier mean?

noun

  1. A military man serving on horse, early modern cavalry officers who had abandoned the heavy armor of medieval knights.
  2. A gallant: a sprightly young dashing military man.

verb

  1. Of a man: to act in a gallant and dashing manner toward (women).

adjective

  1. Not caring enough about something important.
  2. High-spirited.

Synonyms

brusquecurtdisdainfulhaughty

Antonyms

roundhead

Hear “cavalier” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with cavalier

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

austeresneerjeerclearseverepeerqueerpremierchevalierinsincereadheresteer

Related words

high-handeddomineeringchevaliernegligentoffhandruthlessrecklessunashamed

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "cavalier"?▾

"Cavalier" has 3 syllables: cav · al · ier.

What is the IPA transcription of "cavalier"?▾

The IPA transcription of "cavalier" is /ˌkævəˈlɪəɹ/.

What does "cavalier" mean?▾

Cavalier: A military man serving on horse, early modern cavalry officers who had abandoned the heavy armor of medieval knights.

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