How do you pronounce "welfare"?

In American English: /ˈwɛlˌfɛr/ (WEHL-fehr). In British English: /wˈɛlfˌɛə/ (W-ehlf-eh). In Canadian English: /ˈwɛlˌfɛr/ (WEHL-fehr). In Australian English: /wˈɛlfeə/ (W-ehlf-eh).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈwɛlˌfɛr/ (WEHL-fehr), while in British English it's /wˈɛlfˌɛə/ (W-ehlf-eh).

How to Pronounce "welfare"

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welfare

regional

/ˈwɛlˌfɛr/

WEHL-fehr

Syllable Breakdown

wɛlwel·fɛrfare

Source

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Last updated: 2026-02-14