How to pronounce bugbear
Say it like BUHG-beh-er. Bugbear has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUHG).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bugbear. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BUHG
- beh
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bugbear pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BUHGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- behKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of bugbear
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BUHG-bair.
What does bugbear mean?
- An ongoing problem; a recurring obstacle or adversity.
- A source of dread; resentment; or irritation.
- A generic creature, often described as a large goblin, meant to inspire fear in children.
- To alarm with idle phantoms.
Where does bugbear come from?
From obsolete meaning of bug (“something terrifying”) + bear.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying bugbear
How do you pronounce bugbear?
Say BUHG-beh-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈbʌɡbɛɚ/. In British English it is /ˈbʌɡbɛə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bugbear?
Bugbear has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUHG). Broken into parts: BUHG · beh · er.
Is bugbear pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈbʌɡbɛə/ (BUHG-bair).