How to pronounce guffaw
Say it like guh-FAW. Guffaw has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FAW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce guffaw. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- guh
- FAW
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Guffaw pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- guhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FAWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of guffaw
American and British speakers say guffaw in essentially the same way: /ɡəˈfɔ/ in the US and /ɡəˈfɔː/ in the UK.
British respelling: guh-FAW.
What does guffaw mean?
- A boisterous laugh.
- To laugh boisterously.
Where does guffaw come from?
First attested in the early 18th century, originally Scots, probably onomatopoeic.
Words that rhyme with guffaw
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of guffaw.
Questions about saying guffaw
How do you pronounce guffaw?
Say guh-FAW. The American pronunciation is /ɡəˈfɔ/. In British English it is /ɡəˈfɔː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in guffaw?
Guffaw has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FAW). Broken into parts: guh · FAW.
Do Americans and Brits say guffaw the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɡəˈfɔ/ and the British form is /ɡəˈfɔː/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.