How to pronounce hummingbird
Say it like HUHM-ing-burd. Hummingbird has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hummingbird. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HUHM
- ing
- burd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hummingbird pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- burdGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of hummingbird
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: HUHM-ing-burd.
What does hummingbird mean?
- Any of various small American birds in the family Trochilidae that have the ability to hover.
Where does hummingbird come from?
From humming (noun) + bird, in reference to the humming sound made by the rapidly moving wings.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying hummingbird
How do you pronounce hummingbird?
Say HUHM-ing-burd. The American pronunciation is /ˈhʌmɪŋˌbɝd/. In British English it is /ˈhʌmɪŋˌbɜːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hummingbird?
Hummingbird has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HUHM). Broken into parts: HUHM · ing · burd.
Is hummingbird 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 /ˈhʌmɪŋˌbɜːd/ (HUHM-ing-burd).