3 syllables: Sher, a, ton. Stress on Sher.
SHER-uh-tuhn
/ˈʃɛɹətən/
Sheraton is pronounced SHER-uh-tuhn (/ˈʃɛɹətən/). It has three syllables (Sher-a-ton), with the stress on "Sher". Sheraton is a proper noun referring to a multinational hotel brand and chain. It denotes a luxury hotel company and its properties, or a generic brand name used in hotel contexts. The term is used in formal to semi-formal contexts and is typically capitalized.
nounSheraton is a proper noun referring to a multinational hotel brand and chain. It denotes a luxury hotel company and its properties, or a generic brand name used in hotel contexts. The term is used in formal to semi-formal contexts and is typically capitalized.
- You commonly misplace stress by saying SHER-a-ton with strong emphasis on the second syllable; instead keep primary stress on the first syllable. - The middle vowel can be overpronounced; aim for a light, almost invisible /ə/ (schwa) to avoid sounding like “Sher-ay-ton.” - The final consonant can be elided in rapid speech; maintain a crisp /tən/ ending by lightly releasing the /t/ and following /ən/.
"We stayed at the Sheraton during our business trip."
"The conference is being hosted at the Sheraton in downtown Seattle."
"She mentioned a new Sheraton property opening next year."
Pronounce as SHER-uh-ton with three syllables. IPA US/UK/AU: /ˈʃer.ə.tən/. The primary stress is on the first syllable: SHER. The second syllable is a schwa or reduced /ə/, and the final syllable ends with /tən/. Tip: start with the /ʃ/ sound, then /e/ as in “bed,” then an /r/ before a quick /ə/ and final /tən/. Audio reference: you can compare with brand pronunciations on official corporate pages and dictionaries that list /ˈʃer.ə.tən/.
Common errors include stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., SHER-a-TON), mispronouncing the final /ən/ as /ən/ with a heavier vowel, or merging the middle vowel too strongly (sher-uh-tin). Correction: keep the primary stress on SHER-, use a clear /ə/ in the middle, and finish with a light /tən/ without turning it into /dən/; practice by isolating each syllable and then linking smoothly.
US and UK both favor three syllables with /ˈʃer.ə.tən/ and a clear /t/ at the end, but rhoticity affects the following vowels after /r/ in some speakers. US tends to have r-colored vowels and stronger /ɹ/; UK often has less rhotic influence in non-rhotic positions but still maintains /ˈʃer.ə.tən/. Australian tends to a flatter vowel in the middle and a slightly weaker final /ən/. Overall the core /ˈʃer.ə.tən/ remains consistent, with minor vowel quality shifts.
The difficulty lies in maintaining three-syllable rhythm with correct stress and the short, unstressed middle vowel. The /ʃ/ cluster is common but can be tricky for some speakers, and the final /tən/ requires a quick, light touch rather than a heavy -ton. Also, leaders may reduce /ə/ or merge sounds in fast speech, making the final consonant elide or blur.
A unique point is the treatment of the second vowel as a schwa in rapid speech, which can sound like “SHER-uh-tən” rather than “SHER-AY-ton.” Some speakers also slightly antic those as /ˈʃer.ə.tən/; keeping the middle vowel light and non-stressed helps preserve brand identity. Remember the brand-like clarity: SHER-uh-tən, not SHER-ay-ton.
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US Accent: clear /ɹ/ after /ə/ and a bright /æ/ or /ɛ/ in the first vowel depending on speaker; generally rhotic, with a stronger rhythm and closer to /ˈʃer.ə.tən/. UK Accent: less rhoticity in certain contexts; still /ˈʃeɹ.ə.tən/ with a slightly tighter final syllable and more clipped vowel transitions. AU Accent: often some vowel broadening and flattening; /ˈʃeɹ.ə.tən/ with a slightly lighter /ə/ and a softer final /ən/. IPA references: US /ˈʃɜːr.ə.tən/ and /ˈʃer.ə.tən/? Note: The standard is /ˈʃer.ə.tən/ in American dictionaries; UK/AU may show slight rhotic shading.
The name Sheraton derives from the hotel company founded by Ernest Henderson and Robert Moore in 1937, originally operating a chain of hotels in the United States under local brand names. The Sheraton brand emerged from a marketing strategy that combined a sense of prestige with consistent service across properties. The exact origin of the name is linked to branding choices rather than a descriptive word; it was chosen to convey a refined, international appeal. The first known use of the Sheraton brand in the hotel industry appeared in the mid-20th century, with the chain expanding rapidly through midcentury and into the modern era. Over time, Sheraton became synonymous with upscale, globally recognized hospitality, later incorporated into larger hospitality groups such as Starwood and Marriott, which broadened its geographic reach and brand standards. The evolution reflects broader trends in 20th-century travel culture, including the rise of standardized luxury experiences and international hotel affiliations. In contemporary usage, “Sheraton” often functions as a proper noun representing brand identity rather than a common noun describing any hotel. It is almost always capitalized and associated with standardized service expectations and a particular architectural and stylistic ethos. First known uses in corporate branding appear in press materials and advertisements from the 1950s onward, with sustained prominence in global hotel literature.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Sheraton" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Sheraton"
-ion sounds
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