How to pronounce earworm
Say it like EE-er-werm. Earworm has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EE).
- EE
- er
- werm
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Earworm 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.
- wermGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of earworm
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: EER-wurm.
What does earworm mean?
- A tune that keeps replaying in one's head or that one keeps thinking about, especially if unwanted.
Where does earworm come from?
From ear + worm; senses 1 and 3 (“tune that keeps replaying in one’s head”; “earwig”) are a calque of German Ohrwurm (“tune that pops up in one’s memory all the time; earwig”) (from the idea of a creature burrowing into the ear, an erroneou
Questions about saying earworm
How do you pronounce earworm?
Say EE-er-werm. The American pronunciation is /ˈiərˌwɚm/. In British English it is /ˈɪəwɜːm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in earworm?
Earworm has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EE). Broken into parts: EE · er · werm.
Is earworm pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈɪəwɜːm/ (EER-wurm).