How to pronounce kingfisher
Say it like KING-fish-er. Kingfisher has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KING).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce kingfisher. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KING
- fish
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kingfisher pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KINGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- fishGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of kingfisher
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KING-fish-uh.
What does kingfisher mean?
- Any of various birds of the suborder Alcedines (or the family Alcedinidae sensu lato), having a large head, short tail and brilliant coloration; they feed mostly on fish.
- common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Where does kingfisher come from?
Originally king's fisher, from Middle English kyngys fyschare; equivalent to king + fisher.
Questions about saying kingfisher
How do you pronounce kingfisher?
Say KING-fish-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɪŋˌfɪʃɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkɪŋˌfɪʃə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in kingfisher?
Kingfisher has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KING). Broken into parts: KING · fish · er.
Is kingfisher 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 /ˈkɪŋˌfɪʃə/ (KING-fish-uh).