métier

/ˈmɛtjeɪ/

//ˈmɛtjeɪ// noun

"metier" is a 6-letter English headword indexed on PlainSpell.

The verdict

“métier” is outside the top-ranked English vocabulary, used as a noun - the kind of word writers most often double-check.

Unranked
below top-frequency English
6
letters

According to Wiktionary data (CC BY-SA, analyzed May 6, 2026) - Any activity that is pursued as a trade or profession; a calling.

Key facts for métier
PropertyValue
Headwordmétier
LanguageEnglish
Part of speechNoun
IPA/ˈmɛtjeɪ/
Letters6
Misspellings tracked0
Confusable pairs0
SourceWiktionary (kaikki.org)

Where “métier” sits in English frequency

métier falls outside the top-100,000 ranked English words, the long-tail zone of technical, archaic, or low-frequency vocabulary, exactly where readers second-guess spellings most.

Beyond rank #100,000. Source: FrequencyWords open word-frequency list.

Spelling & Dictionary Insight

The English entry for métier is 6 letters long, classified as a noun, and transcribed in the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ˈmɛtjeɪ/. It sits outside the most-frequent rank tiers, which is often why uncommon words generate more spelling variants per reader. Wiktionary records 3 distinct senses for this headword, so context determines which meaning a reader should apply.

We couldn't generate a plausible misspelling set for métier, typically a sign the spelling maps closely to how the word sounds. No confusable counterpart is on file for this word, which tends to mean the word is visually distinctive enough to stand on its own.

Etymologically, the entry records: Borrowed from French métier. Doublet of mister (“employment, trade”). The correct English form is métier, spelled M-É-T-I-E-R.

Definition

  1. 1
    Any activity that is pursued as a trade or profession; a calling.
  2. 2
    An activity to which a person is particularly suited.
  3. 3
    An outstanding or beneficial feature.

Etymology

Borrowed from French métier. Doublet of mister (“employment, trade”).

This word in other languages

Definitions, pronunciation, and etymology for this entry are drawn from Wiktionary via the kaikki.org structured extract (CC BY-SA). See the methodology for how each field is sourced and updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you spell "métier"?
"métier" is spelled M-É-T-I-E-R. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈmɛtjeɪ/.
What does "métier" mean?
As a noun, "métier" means: Any activity that is pursued as a trade or profession; a calling.
How do you pronounce "métier"?
The IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription for "métier" is /ˈmɛtjeɪ/. Click the speaker icon on the pronunciation badge above to hear it spoken aloud where audio is available.
What is the origin of the word "métier"?
Borrowed from French métier. Doublet of mister (“employment, trade”). See the full etymology section above for more details.
Is PlainSpell free to use?
Yes, PlainSpell is a completely free word reference. You can look up definitions, pronunciations, confusable pairs, homophones, and spelling corrections across 5 languages without any sign-up or subscription.

Using “métier”

The practical upshot for anyone who landed here from a spell-check.

  • The one correct English spelling is M-É-T-I-E-R - every other letter order is a misspelling in standard orthography.
  • Say it as /ˈmɛtjeɪ/ (IPA); tap the speaker on the pronunciation badge to hear it where audio exists.
  • Browse more English words and confusable pairs in the same reference. English words
Data Source

Wiktionary (via kaikki.org), licensed under CC BY-SA & GFDL. Word ordering uses an open word-frequency list; misspelling variants are generated by edit-distance from the correct headword.

Source: Wiktionary (via kaikki.org) Structured Wiktionary extract

Source: FrequencyWords open word-frequency list FrequencyWords open word-frequency list