How to pronounce gunpowder
Say it like GUHN-pow-der. Gunpowder 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 gunpowder. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GUHN
- pow
- der
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gunpowder 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.
- powGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of gunpowder
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: GUHN-pow-duh.
What does gunpowder mean?
- An explosive mixture of saltpetre (potassium nitrate), charcoal and sulfur; formerly used in gunnery but now mostly used in fireworks.
- Idli podi/milagai podi; ground-up dry spices mixed with oil and ghee and served alongside idli or dosa.
- To destroy with gunpowder.
Where does gunpowder come from?
From gun + powder.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying gunpowder
How do you pronounce gunpowder?
Say GUHN-pow-der. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡʌnˌpaʊdɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɡʌnˌpaʊdə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gunpowder?
Gunpowder has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GUHN). Broken into parts: GUHN · pow · der.
Is gunpowder 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 /ˈɡʌnˌpaʊdə/ (GUHN-pow-duh).