3 syllables: Mer, li, on. Stress on Mer.
MUR-lee-uhn
/ˈmɝliən/
Merlion is pronounced MUR-lee-uhn (/ˈmɝliən/). It has three syllables (Mer-li-on), with the stress on "Mer". Merlion is a proper noun referring to Singapore’s iconic symbol, combining a lion’s head with a fish body. It denotes a landmark, brand, or mascot and is used in tourism, media, and design contexts. The term functions as a singular noun and carries cultural recognition beyond its literal imagery.
nounMerlion is a proper noun referring to Singapore’s iconic symbol, combining a lion’s head with a fish body. It denotes a landmark, brand, or mascot and is used in tourism, media, and design contexts. The term functions as a singular noun and carries cultural recognition beyond its literal imagery.
How to Pronounce Merlion
"I visited Merlion Park to catch a view of the Merlion statue."
"The museum curated several Merlion-themed exhibits."
"Tourists often photograph the Merlion as a Singaporean emblem."
Merlion is pronounced MEHR-lee-on, with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA: US /ˈmɜr.li.ɒn/, UK /ˈmɜː.li.ɒn/, AU /ˈmɜː.li.ɒn/. Start with an open-mid mid-central vowel for /ɜ/ (like 'fur'), then a light /l/ in 'li', and end with /ɒn/ (short ‘o’ like in 'on'). Keep the transition between syllables smooth but distinct. Listen to native Singaporean speakers for subtle regional timing.
Common errors include misplacing stress (trying to stress second syllable), merging the two middle sounds into a single vowel, or over-smoothing the /r/ in non-rhotic contexts. Correct by maintaining two clear nucleus vowels: /ˈmɜr/ then /li/ and finishing with /ɒn/. Practice by saying ‘mer’ with a strong, rounded /ɜ/ and a crisp /r/, then glide into /li/ with a light /l/. Finally, open your mouth for /ɒn/ rather than nasalizing it.
US: rhotic /r/ is pronounced; /ɜr/ becomes /ɜr/. UK/AU: non-rhotic tendencies may reduce the /r/ after vowels, rendering /ˈmɜː.li.ɒn/ with a slightly less pronounced /r/ in some contexts. Vowel quality differs: US /ɜr/ vs UK /ɜː/ and AU tends toward /ˈmɜː.li.ɒn/. The final /ɒn/ is stable across accents. In all, maintain two clear syllables after the initial stressed syllable, but let rhoticity vary subtly by accent.
Because it blends a consonant cluster across syllables and uses a non-native English vowel sequence /ɜr.li.ɒn/. The first syllable has a rounded /ɜ/ with an /r/ that can be tricky for non-American speakers, followed by a light /li/ and an open /ɒn/. The result is a multi-phoneme chain that benefits from chunking: MEER (mer) + LEE (li) + ON (on). Focus on clear vowel nuclei and distinct syllable boundaries.
Yes. The word’s second syllable 'li' demands a clean /li/ bubble with a light /l/ and a crisp /i/ vowel; the final /ɒn/ must avoid nasalization or a prolonged vowel. Additionally, the combination of a rhotic-first syllable with a later non-rhotic ending in some accents requires careful articulation to avoid blending the middle two vowels. Practicing the full three-syllable rhythm helps maintain distinctness.
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Merlion is a portmanteau coinage melding two elements: ‘mer’ from the French word for sea? actually the appropriate origin is the English words ‘mer’ (French-derived mer meaning sea) combined with ‘lion,’ reflecting the creature’s hybrid concept: a sea-dwelling lion. Though commonly tied to Singapore’s branding, the term emerged in the late 20th century as a purposeful symbol. The first Merlion statues were conceived in the 1960s as a municipal emblem; the design integrated a lion’s head—evoking Singapore’s ancient name and welcoming mood—with a fish body, representing Singapore’s fishing heritage. Over time, Merlion became a globally recognized motif in tourism, stamps, logos, and merchandise, with the name itself functioning as a proper noun rather than a descriptive compound. The word has since cemented its identity in travel literature and national iconography, while remaining a distinctive label unique to Singaporean branding. The earliest public references align with official tourism efforts, and the term quickly expanded into a cultural shorthand for national pride.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Merlion" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Merlion" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Merlion"
-ion sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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