How to pronounce burglar
Say it like BUR-gler. Burglar has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce burglar. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BUR
- gler
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Burglar 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.
- glerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of burglar
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BUR-gluh.
What does burglar mean?
- A person who breaks in to premises with the intent of committing a crime, usually theft.“The burglar made off with a large diamond from the museum.”
- To commit burglary.
Where does burglar come from?
The -l- in burglātor may have been inserted under influence from Latin latro (“thief”).
Questions about saying burglar
How do you pronounce burglar?
Say BUR-gler. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɝɡlɚ/. In British English it is /ˈbɜːɡlə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in burglar?
Burglar has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUR). Broken into parts: BUR · gler.
Is burglar 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 /ˈbɜːɡlə/ (BUR-gluh).