How to pronounce heifer
Say it like HY-fer. Heifer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce heifer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HY
- fer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Heifer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- ferKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of heifer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: HY-fuh.
Other ways to say heifer
Heifer also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- HEF-er /ˈhɛfɚ/
What does heifer mean?
- A young female cow, (particularly) one over one year old but which has not calved.
Where does heifer come from?
Inherited from Middle English heyfre, hayfre, heyfer, from Old English hēahfore, hēahfru, of disputed origin; see the Old English entry for more discussion.
Words that rhyme with heifer
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of heifer.
Questions about saying heifer
How do you pronounce heifer?
Say HY-fer. The American pronunciation is /ˈhaɪfɚ/. In British English it is /ˈhaɪfə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in heifer?
Heifer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HY). Broken into parts: HY · fer.
Is heifer 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 /ˈhaɪfə/ (HY-fuh).