How to pronounce figurehead
Say it like FIG-yer-hed. Figurehead has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIG).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈfɪɡjɚˌhɛd/FIG-yer-hed
UK British/ˈfɪɡjərˌhɛd/FIG-yer-hed
- FIG
- yer
- hed
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Figurehead pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FIGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- yerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- hedGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of figurehead
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FIG-yer-hed.
What does figurehead mean?
noun
- A carved figure on the prow of a sailing ship.
- Someone in a nominal position of leadership who has little to no actual power.
- To lead (something) nominally and with little to no actual power.
Where does figurehead come from?
From figure + head.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- front man
- front
- nominal head
- straw man
- strawman
Questions about saying figurehead
How do you pronounce figurehead?
Say FIG-yer-hed. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɪɡjɚˌhɛd/. In British English it is /ˈfɪɡjərˌhɛd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in figurehead?
Figurehead has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIG). Broken into parts: FIG · yer · hed.
Is figurehead 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 /ˈfɪɡjərˌhɛd/ (FIG-yer-hed).