How to pronounce birdbrain
Say it like BURD-brayn. Birdbrain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BURD).
- BURD
- brayn
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Birdbrain pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BURDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- braynGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of birdbrain
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BURD-brayn.
What does birdbrain mean?
- Someone who is not intelligent.“That birdbrain just drove right through three rows of traffic cones and into the bushes.”
Where does birdbrain come from?
From bird + brain, implying that birds, having small brains, are unintelligent (although this is untrue for many birds).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- addle-head
- addlehead
- loon
Questions about saying birdbrain
How do you pronounce birdbrain?
Say BURD-brayn. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɝdˌbreɪn/. In British English it is /ˈbɜːdbreɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in birdbrain?
Birdbrain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BURD). Broken into parts: BURD · brayn.
Is birdbrain 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 /ˈbɜːdbreɪn/ (BURD-brayn).