How to pronounce heroin
Say it like HER-oh-un. Heroin has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce heroin. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HER
- oh
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Heroin pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of heroin
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: HER-oh-in.
What does heroin mean?
- a narcotic that is considered a hard drug; a highly addictive morphine derivative; intravenous injection provides the fastest and most intense rush
Words that rhyme with heroin
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of heroin.
Words that sound like heroin
Questions about saying heroin
How do you pronounce heroin?
Say HER-oh-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɛroʊən/. In British English it is /ˈhɛrəʊɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in heroin?
Heroin has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HER). Broken into parts: HER · oh · un.
Is heroin pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈhɛrəʊɪn/ (HER-oh-in).
What words sound the same as heroin?
Heroin sounds the same as heroine in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.