How to pronounce cupboard
Say it like KUHB-erd. Cupboard has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cupboard. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUHB
- erd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: The p is silent and board shrinks to 'berd': 'KUB-erd'.
Cupboard pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KUHBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- erdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of cupboard
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KUHB-ud.
What does cupboard mean?
- A cabinet, closet, or other piece of furniture with shelves intended for storing cookware, dishware, or food; similar cabinets or closets used for storing other items.“Put the cups back into the cupboard.”
- A closet for storing coats.
- To collect, as into a cupboard; to hoard.
Where does cupboard come from?
Inherited from Middle English cuppeborde, cupbord.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying cupboard
How do you pronounce cupboard?
Say KUHB-erd. The American pronunciation is /ˈkʌbɚd/. In British English it is /ˈkʌbəd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cupboard?
Cupboard has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHB). Broken into parts: KUHB · erd.
Is cupboard 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 /ˈkʌbəd/ (KUHB-ud).