How to pronounce jerky
Say it like JUR-kee. Jerky has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce jerky. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- JUR
- kee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Jerky pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- JURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- keeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of jerky
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: JUR-kee.
What does jerky mean?
- Lean meat cured and preserved by cutting into thin strips and air-drying in the sun.
- Characterized by physical jerking, or by sudden and uneven progress.“jerky flight”
- Having the behavior of a jerk (unpleasant person).“jerky guy”
- Anxious; jumpy.
- To cure and preserve (meat) by drying it, making jerky.
Where does jerky come from?
From jerk + -y.
Words that rhyme with jerky
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of jerky.
Questions about saying jerky
How do you pronounce jerky?
Say JUR-kee. The American pronunciation is /ˈdʒɝki/. In British English it is /ˈdʒɜːki/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in jerky?
Jerky has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JUR). Broken into parts: JUR · kee.
Is jerky 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 /ˈdʒɜːki/ (JUR-kee).