How do you pronounce "nearest"?

In American English: /ˈnɪrəst/ (NIR-uhst). In British English: /nˈɪəɹɪst/ (N-i-uhr). In Canadian English: /ˈnɪrəst/ (NIR-uhst). In Australian English: /nˈiəɹɪst/ (N-ee-uhr).

Is "nearest" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈnɪrəst/ (NIR-uhst), while in British English it's /nˈɪəɹɪst/ (N-i-uhr).

How to Pronounce "nearest"

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nearest

regional

/ˈnɪrəst/

NIR-uhst

Syllable Breakdown

nɪrnear·əstest

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14