How to pronounce cursing
Say it like KUR-sing. Cursing 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 cursing. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUR
- sing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cursing 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.
- singKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of cursing
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KUR-sing.
What does cursing mean?
- present participle and gerund of curse
- The act of one who curses.
Where does cursing come from?
From Middle English kursyng, from Old English cursiende, equivalent to curse + -ing.
Words that rhyme with cursing
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of cursing.
Questions about saying cursing
How do you pronounce cursing?
Say KUR-sing. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɝsɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈkɜːsɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cursing?
Cursing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR). Broken into parts: KUR · sing.
Is cursing 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 /ˈkɜːsɪŋ/ (KUR-sing).