A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Nestlé
Pronounced NESS-lay, this Swiss multinational is known for its chocolate, coffee, and bottled water products.
nestlé
NESS-lay
/ˈnɛs.leɪ/ · NESS · lay
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also common in news reports about food industry mergers or product recalls.
Where the word comes from
The company was founded by Henri Nestlé, whose surname means 'little nest' in German, referring to the bird's nest emblem on his family's coat of arms.
Common ways people get it wrong
- NESS-ul Some people add an extra syllable, perhaps influenced by other brand names or a misreading of the accent.
- NESS-tel The 'é' at the end indicates a long 'a' sound, not a 't' sound.
Frequently asked
How do you pronounce the accent on Nestlé?
The accent mark (é) over the 'e' indicates it's pronounced like the 'a' in 'say' or 'lay'. It's not silent.
Is it pronounced Ness-lee or Ness-lay?
The standard pronunciation in English is NESS-lay, with the 'é' sounding like 'ay'. Some might say 'Ness-lee', but 'Ness-lay' is more common and widely accepted.
What does Nestlé mean?
The name Nestlé comes from the surname of its founder, Henri Nestlé. In German, 'Nestlé' means 'little nest', which was also the symbol on his family's crest.
How do you pronounce Nestlé in British English?
In British English, Nestlé is typically pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, sounding like NES-tlay.
How do you pronounce Nestlé in American English?
In American English, Nestlé is usually pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, sounding like NES-tuh-lay.
How to use the word nestle?
The word 'nestle' means to lie or settle in a warm, comfortable position. For example, 'The cat likes to nestle in the sunbeam.'
What does Nestlé mean in French?
In French, the brand name Nestlé is pronounced similarly to the English versions, with the stress on the first syllable.
