How to pronounce iceberg
Say it like EYES-berg. Iceberg has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EYES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce iceberg. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EYES
- berg
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Iceberg pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- EYESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- bergKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of iceberg
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: EYES-burg.
What does iceberg mean?
- A huge mass of ocean-floating ice which has broken off a glacier or ice shelf“The Titanic hit an iceberg and sank.”
- An aloof person.
- An impending disastrous event whose adverse effects are only beginning to show.
Where does iceberg come from?
Partial calque of Dutch ijsberg (compound of ijs (“ice”) + berg (“mountain”)), from Middle Dutch ijsberch.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying iceberg
How do you pronounce iceberg?
Say EYES-berg. The American pronunciation is /ˈaɪsbɚɡ/. In British English it is /ˈaɪsbɜːɡ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in iceberg?
Iceberg has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EYES). Broken into parts: EYES · berg.
Is iceberg 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 /ˈaɪsbɜːɡ/ (EYES-burg).