2 syllables: Lun, cheon. Stress on Lun.
LUHN-chuhn
/ˈlʌntʃən/
Luncheon is pronounced LUHN-chuhn (/ˈlʌntʃən/). It has two syllables (Lun-cheon), with the stress on "Lun". Luncheon is a formal daytime meal, typically shorter than a banquet, held for a specific purpose or guest list. It denotes a planned social or business gathering where light dishes are served. The word carries a slightly old-fashioned tone but is still used in formal or ceremonial contexts.
nounLuncheon is a formal daytime meal, typically shorter than a banquet, held for a specific purpose or guest list. It denotes a planned social or business gathering where light dishes are served. The word carries a slightly old-fashioned tone but is still used in formal or ceremonial contexts.
How to Pronounce Luncheon
"We attended a charity luncheon to discuss the upcoming fundraiser."
"The organization's luncheon featured a keynote speaker and a Q&A session."
"She wore a tailored suit to the luncheon, emphasizing professional decorum."
Pronounce it as /ˈlən.tʃən/ in US and UK IPA, with primary stress on the first syllable. Start with a light schwa or lax vowel in the first syllable, then an aspirated /tʃ/ as in 'chew' followed by an unstressed, near-schwa /ən/. Think 'LUN-chən' but with a reduced first vowel: /ˈlən.tʃən/. Mouth positions: lips neutral to light rounding for /l/, tip of tongue touching the alveolar ridge for /n/, and a gentle postalveolar affricate /tʃ/ before a soft schwa. Audio reference: imagine a clear /l/ onset then a crisp /t͡ʃ/ followed by a relaxed /ən/.
Common errors include pronouncing /l/ and /r/ with heavy tongue retraction, turning /t͡ʃ/ into /t/ or /ʃ/, and elongating the second syllable. Correction tips: ensure a light, velar-alveolar blend for /t͡ʃ/, avoid over-articulation on /ən/ by keeping it light and quick, and keep the first vowel as a short, lax schwa or near-open /ʌ/ depending on accent. Practice with minimal pairs like LUN-chən vs LAN-chən to feel the difference.
In US English, /ˈlən.tʃən/ with a reduced first vowel is common; in some UK varieties, you may hear a slightly tenser /ʌ/ in the first syllable and a crisper /t͡ʃ/ between syllables. Australian speakers often merge the first syllable to /ˈlən/ but can preserve a clearer /t͡ʃ/ sound. The key variation is vowel quality in the first syllable and the timing of the /t͡ʃ/ release relative to the following syllable.
The difficulty lies in the subtle vowel reduction of the first syllable and the quick, blend-like /t͡ʃ/ transition into a weak /ən/. The sequence /n/ + /t͡ʃ/ can cause slurring or misarticulation if you rush. Also, the aspiration and timing of the /t͡ʃ/ release must be precise to avoid turning it into /d͡ʒ/ or /t/ only. Practice the precise tongue-jaw choreography slowly, then speed up.
The first syllable can be realized with a near-schwa (ə) or a lax /ʌ/ depending on speaker and register. The transition into /t͡ʃ/ should be rapid yet distinct, avoiding merging it with the following /ən/. Paying attention to the mouth opening and the tip-onset of /n/ from the alveolar ridge helps you maintain a clean, clipped first syllable while still sounding natural.
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Luncheon comes from Middle English luncheoun, a term used to describe a meal taken at noon; its spelling aligns with the French-derived 'lunçon' and the older form 'lunch' with the diminutive '-eon' suffix. The term evolved in English during the medieval to early modern period as eating times and social rituals around a midday meal became more formalized in courts and gentry houses. The influence of Norman French and the Latin roots of related words contributed to a term that signaled a planned, often semi-formal event rather than an ordinary meal. First attested in the 15th century, luncheon gradually acquired the nuance of a scheduled, often business-oriented midday meal, distinct from a more casual lunch.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Luncheon" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Luncheon" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Luncheon" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Luncheon"
-eon sounds
-hin sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
