How to pronounce ambergris
Say it like AM-ber-gris. Ambergris has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ambergris. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AM
- ber
- gris
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ambergris pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- berKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- grisKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of ambergris
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AM-buh-gris.
What does ambergris mean?
- A solid, waxy, flammable substance of a dull gray to blackish color, formed within the intestines of the sperm whale and used in the production of perfumes.
Where does ambergris come from?
From Old French ambre gris (“gray amber”).
Questions about saying ambergris
How do you pronounce ambergris?
Say AM-ber-gris. The American pronunciation is /ˈæmbɚɡrɪs/. In British English it is /ˈæmbəɡrɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ambergris?
Ambergris has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AM). Broken into parts: AM · ber · gris.
Is ambergris pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈæmbəɡrɪs/ (AM-buh-gris).