Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

libero

/ˈlɪbəɹoʊ/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.31 in modern English

Syllables: libero
IPA: /ˈlɪbəɹoʊ/

8

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

1

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A central defender to whom no forward is assigned for marking, forming the last line of defence and often initiating the offensive play.

noun

A designated back-row player intended to be used as a ball-control specialist.

noun

Alternative letter-case form of libero (volleyball).

Example Sentences

"Nicknamed “Der Kaiser”, Beckenbauer was as elegant as he was dominant, and such was his assurance in possession that he came to master the modern sweeper role, or libero. More so, he is credited with creating it."

Etymology

From Italian libero (literally “free one”). So called because he has no direct opponent to mark and is therefore free to join in the offensive. The volleyball use is younger.

Origin

Source language: Italian

Word Breakdown

Root: libero

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈlɪbəɹoʊ/
British English: /ˈlɪbəɹəʊ/

Inflected Forms

liberos (plural)

Synonyms

sweeper

Questions

How do you pronounce libero?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈlɪbəɹoʊ/.
What does libero mean?: A central defender to whom no forward is assigned for marking, forming the last line of defence and often initiating the offensive play.
Where does libero come from?: It is traced to Italian.

How to pronounce libero

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