How to pronounce bourbon
Say it like BUR-bun. Bourbon has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUR).
- BUR
- bun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bourbon pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- bunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of bourbon
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BUR-bun.
What does bourbon mean?
- A whiskey distilled in the United States from a mixture of grains in which at least 51% is corn, aged in charred, new oak barrels.
- A serving of bourbon whiskey.
- A Bourbon biscuit.
Where does bourbon come from?
Both derive from the French Bourbon dynasty, named for the lordship of French Bourbon l'Archambault.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- bourbon dynasty
Words that rhyme with bourbon
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of bourbon.
Questions about saying bourbon
How do you pronounce bourbon?
Say BUR-bun. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɝbən/. In British English it is /ˈbɜːbən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bourbon?
Bourbon has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUR). Broken into parts: BUR · bun.
Is bourbon 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 /ˈbɜːbən/ (BUR-bun).