How to pronounce kerchief
Say it like KUR-chuf. Kerchief has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈkɝtʃəf/KUR-chuf
UK British/ˈkɜːtʃɪf/KUR-chif
- KUR
- chuf
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kerchief pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- chufKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of kerchief
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KUR-chif.
What does kerchief mean?
noun
- A piece of cloth used to cover the head; a bandana.
- To cover with a kerchief.
Where does kerchief come from?
From Middle English keverchef, coverchef et al., from Old French couvrechief, from couvrir (“to cover”) + chief (“head”).
Questions about saying kerchief
How do you pronounce kerchief?
Say KUR-chuf. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɝtʃəf/. In British English it is /ˈkɜːtʃɪf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in kerchief?
Kerchief has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR). Broken into parts: KUR · chuf.
Is kerchief 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 /ˈkɜːtʃɪf/ (KUR-chif).