How to pronounce camphor
Say it like KAM-fer. Camphor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAM).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce camphor. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈkæmfɚ/KAM-fer
UK British/ˈkæmfə/KAM-fuh
- KAM
- fer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Camphor pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ferKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of camphor
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAM-fuh.
What does camphor mean?
noun
- A white transparent waxy crystalline isoprenoid ketone, 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, with a strong pungent odor, used in pharmacy, also known as laurel camphor or common/ordinary camphor.
- a plant-extracted crystalline substance similar to common camphor, especially Borneo camphor.
Questions about saying camphor
How do you pronounce camphor?
Say KAM-fer. The American pronunciation is /ˈkæmfɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkæmfə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in camphor?
Camphor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAM). Broken into parts: KAM · fer.
Is camphor 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 /ˈkæmfə/ (KAM-fuh).