TAY-lur-ing
/ˈteɪlɚɪŋ/
tailoring is pronounced TAY-lur-ing (/ˈteɪlɚɪŋ/). Tailoring refers to the craft or activity of making custom-fitted clothing or adjusting garments to fit a person precisely, or more broadly, the act of adapting something to specific needs. In practice, it encompasses measuring, cutting, sewing, and finishing garments to achieve an ideal fit and style. It can also be used metaphorically to describe adapting plans or messages to a particular audience or purpose.
Tailoring refers to the craft or activity of making custom-fitted clothing or adjusting garments to fit a person precisely, or more broadly, the act of adapting something to specific needs. In practice, it encompasses measuring, cutting, sewing, and finishing garments to achieve an ideal fit and style. It can also be used metaphorically to describe adapting plans or messages to a particular audience or purpose.
"The tailor spent hours adjusting the suit to ensure a perfect fit."
"Tailoring services are available at several boutiques downtown."
"She’s expertise in tailoring Crescent City uniforms for different departments."
Pronounce as /ˈteɪ.lə.rɪŋ/ (US) or /ˈteɪ.lə.rɪŋ/ (UK). The primary stress is on the first syllable: TAY- luh- ring. Start with the long A in 'tail' as in 'day,' soften the second syllable to a schwa /ə/, and end with a clear /ɹɪŋ/ in rhotic accents. Listen for a smooth transition between syllables, with the ‘l’ light and the final ‘ing’ as a single syllable. You can reference pronunciations on Pronounce or Forvo for native audio cues.
Common errors: 1) Misplacing stress, saying ta-IL-oring or ta-lor-ing; ensure primary stress on the first syllable /ˈteɪ/. 2) Slurring the /l/ into the next vowel, producing a muddy /ˈteɪlɚɪŋ/ instead of /ˈteɪ.lə.rɪŋ/. 3) Vowel reduction in the second syllable, pronouncing /tə/ or /ti/ instead of /lə/. Correction: clearly articulate the mid /ə/ in the second syllable and keep the /ɹ/ sound before the final /ɪŋ/ in rhotic accents. Practice with a slow pace, then speed up.
In US, the r-coloring of /ɹ/ is pronounced before /ɪŋ/, making /ˈteɪ.lə.rɪŋ/. UK tends to less rhoticity in some speakers, but most standard British pronounces /ˈteɪ.lə.rɪŋ/ with a non-rhotic accent in some regions still delivering /ˈteɪ.ləˌrɪŋ/. Australian usually aligns with US rhotics and has a clipped /ɪŋ/ ending; vowels may be slightly broader, and the /ˈɒ/ or /æ/ shifts aren’t prominent here. Overall, stress placement remains on the first syllable across, with minor vowel quality variations and rhotic presence affecting the final syllable.” ,
Two core challenges: 1) The sequence /ˈteɪ.lə.rɪŋ/ requires a clean separation of three syllables with a mid schwa in the second position, which many speakers merge. 2) The final /ɪŋ/ requires maintaining an accurate nasal + velar blend without adding an extra vowel. Practice distances: hold the /ˈteɪ/ while you prepare the /lə/ and then land on /rɪŋ/ with a quick, tight mouth closure. IPA cues and tongue positioning help overcome these subtle coarticulations.
Tailoring carries primary stress on the first syllable: /ˈteɪ.lə.rɪŋ/. You may hear a lightly stressed second syllable in rapid speech, but avoid shifting primary stress away. When speaking slowly for emphasis, you can maintain the first-syllable emphasis and reduce the following syllables to a lighter, almost unstressed rhythm. Practicing with minimal pairs that shift stress helps you internalize the default pattern.
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Tailoring derives from tailer, an agent noun form of tailor, from the Old French tailor/tailour, meaning a cutter of cloth. The noun tailor (late 14th c.) originally referred to a person who cuts and sews garments, particularly men’s clothing. English borrowed from Old French and Latin roots through Norman influence, with tail- linked to cutting or trimming. The verb form tailor, meaning to adapt or fashion to fit, emerged in the 16th century, expanding metaphorically to imply customization beyond clothing. By the 19th and 20th centuries, tailoring incorporated broader meanings like tailoring messages or systems, reflecting the shift from purely textile to tailored solutions in various industries. The word’s evolution mirrors social emphasis on fit, customization, and precision, making tailoring a versatile term across fashion and business language.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "tailoring" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "tailoring" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "tailoring" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "tailoring"
-ing sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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