Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

neon

/ˈniˌɑn/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.64 in modern English

Syllables
ne-on
IPA
/ˈniˌɑn/
4
Scrabble Score
4
Letters
2
Syllables
3
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The chemical element (symbol Ne) with an atomic number of 10. The second of the noble gases, it is a colourless, odorless inert gas.

Uncountable

noun

The chemical element (symbol Ne) with an atomic number of 10. The second of the noble gases, it is a colourless, odorless inert gas.

Countable

noun

Neon signs or lights, collectively.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

A neon tetra fish.

Countable

noun

Describes bright and vibrant colors having a fluorescent look.

Countable; Uncountable

Example Sentences

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek νέον (néon), neuter of νέος (néos, “new”), from earlier *νέϝος (*néwos), from Proto-Hellenic *newos, from Proto-Indo-European *néwos. By surface analysis, neo- + -on (suffix used in all noble gases).

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: *newos, *néwos

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /ˈniˌɑn/

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce neon?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈniˌɑn/.
What does neon mean?
The chemical element (symbol Ne) with an atomic number of 10. The second of the noble gases, it is a colourless, odorless inert gas.
Where does neon come from?
It is traced to Proto-Indo-European.

How to pronounce neon

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “neon”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈniˌɑn/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “neon”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “neon” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.