How to pronounce firefly
Say it like FY-er-fly. Firefly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FY).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈfaɪɚˌflaɪ/FY-er-fly
UK British/ˈfaɪˌflaɪ/FY-fly
- FY
- er
- fly
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Firefly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- flyGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of firefly
- 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: FY-fly.
What does firefly mean?
noun
- Any beetle of the family Lampyridae, which exhibit bioluminescence during twilight.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- fire beetle
- pyrophorus noctiluca
- lightning bug
Questions about saying firefly
How do you pronounce firefly?
Say FY-er-fly. The American pronunciation is /ˈfaɪɚˌflaɪ/. In British English it is /ˈfaɪˌflaɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in firefly?
Firefly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FY). Broken into parts: FY · er · fly.
Is firefly pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈfaɪˌflaɪ/ (FY-fly).