How to pronounce bursting
Say it like BUR-sting. Bursting has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUR).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bursting. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈbɝstɪŋ/BUR-sting
UK British/ˈbɜːstɪŋ/BUR-sting
- BUR
- sting
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bursting 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.
- stingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of bursting
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BUR-sting.
What does bursting mean?
adjective
- Very eager (to do something).“I was bursting to tell him the secret.”
- Urgently needing to urinate.“Can you tell me where the toilets are? I'm bursting.”
- So full (with something) as almost to erupt.“The newly stocked refrigerator is bursting with fresh vegetables.”
- present participle and gerund of burst How to pronounce burst
- The act by which something bursts.“the burstings of balloons”
Questions about saying bursting
How do you pronounce bursting?
Say BUR-sting. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɝstɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈbɜːstɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bursting?
Bursting has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUR). Broken into parts: BUR · sting.
Is bursting 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 /ˈbɜːstɪŋ/ (BUR-sting).