How to pronounce ermine
Say it like UR-min. Ermine has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ermine. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UR
- min
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ermine pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- URSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- minKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of ermine
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UR-min.
What does ermine mean?
- A weasel found in northern latitudes (Mustela erminea in Eurasia, Alaska, and the Arctic, Mustela haidarum in Haida Gwaii, Mustela richardsonii in the rest of North America); its dark brown fur turns white in winter, apart from the black tip of the tail.
- The white fur of this animal, traditionally seen as a symbol of purity and used for judges' robes.
- The office of a judge.
- In blazon, of the color ermine (white with black spots).
- To clothe with ermine.
Where does ermine come from?
There are two main theories for the origin of Old French ermine.
Words that rhyme with ermine
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ermine.
Questions about saying ermine
How do you pronounce ermine?
Say UR-min. The American pronunciation is /ˈɝmɪn/. In British English it is /ˈɜːmɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ermine?
Ermine has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UR). Broken into parts: UR · min.
Is ermine 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 /ˈɜːmɪn/ (UR-min).