How to pronounce marshmallow
Say it like MARSH-mel-oh. Marshmallow has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MARSH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce marshmallow. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MARSH
- mel
- oh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Marshmallow pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MARSHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- melGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of marshmallow
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: MAHSH-mal-oh.
What does marshmallow mean?
- Marsh mallow, a species of mallow, Althaea officinalis, that grows in marshy terrain.
- A type of confectionery, originally (since Ancient Egyptian times) made from this plant, but now generally made of sugar or corn syrup, gelatin that has been presoftened in water, gum arabic, flavorings, and sometimes beaten egg whites, all whipped to a spongy consistency.
- Someone who is soft and benign.“He acts like a total badass, but he's really just a marshmallow once you get to know him.”
- To soften (literally or figuratively).
Where does marshmallow come from?
From Old English mersċmealwe, corresponding to marsh + mallow.
Questions about saying marshmallow
How do you pronounce marshmallow?
Say MARSH-mel-oh. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɑrʃˌmɛloʊ/. In British English it is /ˈmɑːʃˌmæləʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in marshmallow?
Marshmallow has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MARSH). Broken into parts: MARSH · mel · oh.
Is marshmallow 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 /ˈmɑːʃˌmæləʊ/ (MAHSH-mal-oh).