How to pronounce bulwark
Say it like BUUL-werk. Bulwark has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUUL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bulwark. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BUUL
- werk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bulwark pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BUULSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
- werkKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of bulwark
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BUUL-wuk.
What does bulwark mean?
- A defensive wall or rampart.
- A defense or safeguard.
- A breakwater.
- To fortify something with a wall or rampart.
- To provide protection of defense for something.
Where does bulwark come from?
From Middle English bulwerk, from Middle Dutch bolwerk, bolwerc and Middle Low German bolwerk, equivalent to bole (“tree trunk”) + work.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying bulwark
How do you pronounce bulwark?
Say BUUL-werk. The American pronunciation is /ˈbʊlwɚk/. In British English it is /ˈbʊlwək/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bulwark?
Bulwark has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUUL). Broken into parts: BUUL · werk.
Is bulwark 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 /ˈbʊlwək/ (BUUL-wuk).