How to pronounce hairsbreadth
Say it like HAIRZ-bredth. Hairsbreadth has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAIRZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hairsbreadth. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HAIRZ
- bredth
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hairsbreadth pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HAIRZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- bredthKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of hairsbreadth
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: HAIRRZ-bredth.
What does hairsbreadth mean?
- Alternative form of hair's breadth: a very short distance or a very small amount (as is the width of a hair).
Where does hairsbreadth come from?
From hair + -s- + breadth.
Questions about saying hairsbreadth
How do you pronounce hairsbreadth?
Say HAIRZ-bredth. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɛrzbrɛdθ/. In British English it is /ˈhɛərzbrɛdθ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hairsbreadth?
Hairsbreadth has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAIRZ). Broken into parts: HAIRZ · bredth.
Is hairsbreadth 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 /ˈhɛərzbrɛdθ/ (HAIRRZ-bredth).