How to pronounce dirge
Say it like DURJ. Dirge is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce dirge. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DURJ
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dirge pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DURJSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of dirge
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: DURJ.
What does dirge mean?
- A mournful poem or piece of music composed or performed as a memorial to a deceased person.
- A song or piece of music that is considered too slow, bland or boring.
- To sing dirges
Where does dirge come from?
From Middle English dirige, from Latin dirige (“steer, direct”), from the beginning of the first antiphon in matins for the dead, Dirige, Domine, deus meus, in conspectu tuo viam meam.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with dirge
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of dirge.
Questions about saying dirge
How do you pronounce dirge?
Say DURJ. The American pronunciation is /dɝdʒ/. In British English it is /dɜːdʒ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dirge?
Dirge is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: DURJ.
Is dirge 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 /dɜːdʒ/ (DURJ).