How to Pronounce Lieutenant

To pronounce "lieutenant", say lieut-EN-ant — 3 syllables, IPA /ɫuˈtɛnənt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

lieutenant

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Accent

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3

Syllables

10

Letters

/ɫuˈtɛnənt/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/lɛftˈɛnənt/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “lieutenant”

Break "lieutenant" into 3 beats and lean on "EN" — that's the stressed one.

What does lieutenant mean?

noun

  1. The lowest junior commissioned officer rank(s) in many military forces, often Army and Marines. In the US Army, Air Force and Marines, holding the rank above second lieutenant and below captain. Both ranks may be referred to as "lieutenant" or as the complete forms of the ranks. A naval officer whose rank is above that of ensign in the United States Navy and below that of a lieutenant commander. There are two ranks of lieutenant: lieutenant junior grade and lieutenant. A commissioned officer in the United States Coast Guard, Public Health Service, or National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration whose rank is above that of ensign and below lieutenant commander. There are two ranks of lieutenant: lieutenant junior grade and lieutenant. A commissioned officer in the British Army and Royal Marines, holding the rank above second lieutenant and below captain. Both ranks may be referred to as "lieutenant"; however, "second lieutenant" is to specify that the officer is not yet a full lieutenant. A naval officer whose rank is above that of sub-lieutenant in the Royal Navy and below that of a lieutenant commander. A naval commissioned officer who holds the rank above sub-lieutenant and below lieutenant commander.
  2. In the US Army, Air Force and Marines, holding the rank above second lieutenant and below captain. Both ranks may be referred to as "lieutenant" or as the complete forms of the ranks.

adjective

  1. A military grade that is junior to the grade the adjective modifies: lieutenant colonel, lieutenant general, lieutenant commander.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "lieutenant"?▾

To pronounce "lieutenant", say lieut-EN-ant — 3 syllables, IPA /ɫuˈtɛnənt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

How many syllables are in "lieutenant"?▾

"Lieutenant" has 3 syllables: lieut · en · ant.

What is the IPA transcription of "lieutenant"?▾

The IPA transcription of "lieutenant" is /ɫuˈtɛnənt/.

What does "lieutenant" mean?▾

Lieutenant: The lowest junior commissioned officer rank(s) in many military forces, often Army and Marines. In the US Army, Air Force and Marines, holding the rank above second lieutenant and below captain. Both ranks may be referred to as "lieutenant" or as the complete forms of the ranks. A naval officer whose rank is above that of ensign in the United States Navy and below that of a lieutenant commander. There are two ranks of lieutenant: lieutenant junior grade and lieutenant. A commissioned officer in the United States Coast Guard, Public Health Service, or National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration whose rank is above that of ensign and below lieutenant commander. There are two ranks of lieutenant: lieutenant junior grade and lieutenant. A commissioned officer in the British Army and Royal Marines, holding the rank above second lieutenant and below captain. Both ranks may be referred to as "lieutenant"; however, "second lieutenant" is to specify that the officer is not yet a full lieutenant. A naval officer whose rank is above that of sub-lieutenant in the Royal Navy and below that of a lieutenant commander. A naval commissioned officer who holds the rank above sub-lieutenant and below lieutenant commander.

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