How to pronounce gunfire
Say it like GUHN-fy-er. Gunfire has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GUHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gunfire. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GUHN
- fy
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gunfire pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GUHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- fyGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of gunfire
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: GUHN-fy-uh.
What does gunfire mean?
- the act of shooting a gun“the gunfire endangered innocent bystanders”“they retreated in the face of withering enemy fire”
Where does gunfire come from?
From gun + fire.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying gunfire
How do you pronounce gunfire?
Say GUHN-fy-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡʌnˌfaɪɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɡʌnˌfaɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gunfire?
Gunfire has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GUHN). Broken into parts: GUHN · fy · er.
Is gunfire 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 /ˈɡʌnˌfaɪə/ (GUHN-fy-uh).