How to pronounce catbird
Say it like KAT-burd. Catbird has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce catbird. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAT
- burd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Catbird pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- burdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of catbird
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAT-burd.
What does catbird mean?
- An American passerine bird of the genera Dumetella and Melanoptila.
- Any of four species of Australasian bowerbirds of the genera Ailuroedus and Scenopoeetes.
- A babbler-like bird from eastern Africa, Parophasma galinieri.
Where does catbird come from?
From cat + bird, because its cry is said to resemble that of a cat.
Questions about saying catbird
How do you pronounce catbird?
Say KAT-burd. The American pronunciation is /ˈkætbɝd/. In British English it is /ˈkætbɜːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in catbird?
Catbird has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAT). Broken into parts: KAT · burd.
Is catbird 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 /ˈkætbɜːd/ (KAT-burd).