How to pronounce current
Say it like KUR-runt. Current 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 current. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUR
- runt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Current pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KURSay this part loudest and longest.
- runtKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of current
American and British speakers say current in essentially the same way: /ˈkɜrənt/ in the US and /ˈkʌrənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: KUHR-unt.
Other ways to say current
Current also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- KAR-unt /ˈkɑrənt/
What does current mean?
- a flow of electricity through a conductor“the current was measured in amperes”
- a steady flow of a fluid (usually from natural causes)“the raft floated downstream on the current”“he felt a stream of air”
- dominant course (suggestive of running water) of successive events or ideas“two streams of development run through American history”“stream of consciousness”
- occurring in or belonging to the present time“current events”“the current topic”
Where does current come from?
From Middle English curraunt, borrowed from Old French curant (French courant), present participle of courre (“to run”), from Latin currere (“to run”) (present participle currens).
Questions about saying current
How do you pronounce current?
Say KUR-runt. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɜrənt/. In British English it is /ˈkʌrənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in current?
Current has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR). Broken into parts: KUR · runt.
Do Americans and Brits say current the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkɜrənt/ and the British form is /ˈkʌrənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.