How to pronounce curly
Say it like KUR-lee. Curly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce curly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUR
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Curly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of curly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KUR-lee.
What does curly mean?
- (of hair) having curls or waves“they envied her naturally curly hair”
Where does curly come from?
From curl + -y.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with curly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of curly.
Questions about saying curly
How do you pronounce curly?
Say KUR-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɝli/. In British English it is /ˈkɜːli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in curly?
Curly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR). Broken into parts: KUR · lee.
Is curly 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 /ˈkɜːli/ (KUR-lee).