How to pronounce earwig

Q: How do you pronounce earwig?

Say EE-er-wig. The American pronunciation is /ˈiərwɪɡ/. In British English it is /ˈiːəwɪɡ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.

Say it like EE-er-wig. Earwig has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EE).

VoiceSpeed

US American/ˈiərwɪɡ/EE-er-wig

UK British/ˈiːəwɪɡ/EE-uh-wig

Main stress
Lighter stress
Unstressed

Earwig pronunciation, sound by sound

Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.

EESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
wigKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.

American vs British pronunciation of earwig

Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.

British respelling: EE-uh-wig.

What does earwig mean?

noun

Any of various insects of the order Dermaptera that have elongated bodies, large membranous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings and a pair of large pincers protruding from the rear of the abdomen.
One who whispers insinuations; a secret counsellor.
A flatterer.

verb

To fill the mind of with prejudice by insinuations.
To attempt to influence by persistent confidential argument or talk.
To eavesdrop.

Similar and opposite words

Similar meaning

forkytail
twinge

Questions about saying earwig

How do you pronounce earwig?

Say EE-er-wig. The American pronunciation is /ˈiərwɪɡ/. In British English it is /ˈiːəwɪɡ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.

How many syllables are in earwig?

Earwig has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EE). Broken into parts: EE · er · wig.

Is earwig 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 /ˈiːəwɪɡ/ (EE-uh-wig).