How to pronounce coward
Say it like KOW-erd. Coward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce coward. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOW
- erd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Coward pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- erdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of coward
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KOW-ud.
What does coward mean?
- a person who shows fear or timidity
- English dramatist and actor and composer noted for his witty and sophisticated comedies (1899-1973)
Where does coward come from?
Unrelated to cower, which is of Germanic origin.
Words that rhyme with coward
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of coward.
Questions about saying coward
How do you pronounce coward?
Say KOW-erd. The American pronunciation is /ˈkaʊɚd/. In British English it is /ˈkaʊəd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in coward?
Coward has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOW). Broken into parts: KOW · erd.
Is coward 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 /ˈkaʊəd/ (KOW-ud).