How to pronounce harridan
Say it like HAR-ih-dun. Harridan has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce harridan. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HAR
- ih
- dun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Harridan pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- dunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of harridan
American and British speakers say harridan in essentially the same way: /ˈhærɪdən/ in the US and /ˈhærɪdən/ in the UK.
British respelling: HAR-ih-dun.
What does harridan mean?
- A vicious and scolding woman, especially an older one.
Where does harridan come from?
Perhaps a modification of French haridelle (“old horse, nag”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying harridan
How do you pronounce harridan?
Say HAR-ih-dun. The American pronunciation is /ˈhærɪdən/. In British English it is /ˈhærɪdən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in harridan?
Harridan has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAR). Broken into parts: HAR · ih · dun.
Do Americans and Brits say harridan the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈhærɪdən/ and the British form is /ˈhærɪdən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.