How to pronounce burrow
Say it like BUR-roh. Burrow 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 burrow. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BUR
- roh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Burrow pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BURSay this part loudest and longest.
- rohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of burrow
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: BUHR-oh.
What does burrow mean?
- A tunnel or hole, or a system of tunnels, often as dug by a small creature for use as a home.
- To dig a tunnel or hole.
- To move underneath or press up against in search of safety or comfort.“The young girl burrowed into the bed.”
- To investigate thoroughly.“The journalist burrowed into the origins of the mayor's corruption.”
Where does burrow come from?
It may be related to bury (“to dig”), in which case it would be derived from Proto-Indo-European *bʰergʰ- (“to protect, defend, save, preserve”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with burrow
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of burrow.
Words that sound like burrow
Questions about saying burrow
How do you pronounce burrow?
Say BUR-roh. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɜroʊ/. In British English it is /ˈbʌrəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in burrow?
Burrow has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUR). Broken into parts: BUR · roh.
Is burrow pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈbʌrəʊ/ (BUHR-oh).
What words sound the same as burrow?
Burrow sounds the same as borough in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.